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Definition of overdo

overdo

/ˌoʊvərˈduː/
o · ver · do
Adjective:overdone
•
Past Simple:overdid
•
Past Participle:overdone
•
Present Participle:overdoing
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overdo Lexical Profile

overdo Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To do, use, or carry something to excess; to exaggerate or go too far with an action or effect.

Example

"She tends to overdo the sarcasm when she is feeling nervous around new colleagues."

2

To exhaust or tire oneself by working or exercising too hard (often used in the phrase 'overdo it').

Example

"The physical therapist warned him not to overdo it during his first week back at the gym."

3

To cook food, especially meat or vegetables, for too long.

Example

"Be careful not to overdo the salmon, or it will become dry and lose its flavor."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for overdo

• Nearby Words

overdeveloped
overdevelopment
overdiagnose
overdo
overdose
overdraft
overdramatic

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English oferdōn, meaning 'to do to excess' or 'to transgress,' formed by combining the prefix ofer- ('over') and the verb dōn ('to do').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overdo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overdo
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