overthink
verb
over·think
ˌō-vər-ˈthiŋk 
overthought
ˌō-vər-ˈthȯt
; overthinking
; overthinking
: to think too much about (something) : to put too much time into thinking about or analyzing (something) in a way that is more harmful than helpful
overthink a situation/problem
someone who overthinks and worries too much
"I was a terrible actor when I went to New York. I was scared. I would overprepare, sometimes overthink a role."—
Paul Newman
Paul NewmanFor a while now, I've been finding current fiction hard to read: airlessly competent, relentlessly put-together, overthought.—David Gates
David Gates
overthinker
noun
plural overthinkers
But the problem is I'm an overthinker. I contemplate and consider, deliberate and debate things small and large in my life. Simple things become complicated and easy decisions become complex.
—Alyssa Meier
Alyssa Meier
Examples of overthink in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Years ago, Martha told me not to overthink it—and her favorite vinaigrette has been my go-to ever since.
—Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026
However, her observation is that queens tend to overthink.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 June 2026
How to apply a BB cream BB creams are meant to be effortless and easily buildable, so don’t overthink application.
—Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 June 2026
In the morning, Luna’s square to the sun could clash with your long-term goals and visions, but don’t overthink the tedious tasks.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overthink
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Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026
However, her observation is that queens tend to overthink.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 June 2026
How to apply a BB cream BB creams are meant to be effortless and easily buildable, so don’t overthink application.
—Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 June 2026
In the morning, Luna’s square to the sun could clash with your long-term goals and visions, but don’t overthink the tedious tasks.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overthink
Cite this Entry
“Overthink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overthink. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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