overdo
verb
over·do
ˌō-vər-ˈdü 
overdid
ˌō-vər-ˈdid
; overdone
ˌō-vər-ˈdən
; overdoing
ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ
; overdoes
ˌō-vər-ˈdəz
; overdone
ˌō-vər-ˈdən
; overdoing
ˌō-vər-ˈdü-iŋ
; overdoes
ˌō-vər-ˈdəz
1
a
: to do in excess
Exercise regularly, but don't overdo it.
b
: to use to excess
had overdone it with the decorations
c
2
: to cook too long
3
: exhaust
: to go to extremes
Examples of overdo in a Sentence
You should exercise every day, but don't overdo it.
The acting in that play was badly overdone.
Don't overdo the salt in this recipe.
The cook overdid the hamburgers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Over-Styling Your Shelves Styling your shelves with personal mementos, vintage treasures, and more can give your home an eclectic aesthetic—but don't overdo it.
—
Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
This week’s roundup breaks down what to know about vitamin D dosing, simple ways to support heart health, and better sleep without overdoing it.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Just make sure to not overdo it.
—Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026
Alexander’s staging occasionally overdoes the comic exuberance.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overdo
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Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
This week’s roundup breaks down what to know about vitamin D dosing, simple ways to support heart health, and better sleep without overdoing it.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026
Just make sure to not overdo it.
—Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 6 Feb. 2026
Alexander’s staging occasionally overdoes the comic exuberance.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overdo
Cite this Entry
“Overdo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdo. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overdo
verb
over·do
-ˈdü
1
: to do too much
overdoes it getting ready for a party
2
: exaggerate
overdo praise
3
: to cook too long
meat that is overdone
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