as in heated
being in a state of increased activity or agitation
the boy manages to panic himself by his own overactive imagination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overactive
Why Proteinuria Occurs With C3G Complement 3 glomerulopathy is caused when the complement system—a part of the immune system that fights infection—becomes overactive.
—
Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026
The study found that in cirrhosis, a change in gene regulation, specifically the removal of chemical marks from the PAF-R gene, causes the gene to become overactive.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 11 Jan. 2026
This reduces the overactive immune response that causes psoriasis.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 6 Jan. 2026
Sleep disturbances also lead to greater inflammation, which is when the immune system’s natural responses become overactive.
—Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overactive
Md Published, Verywell Health, 12 Jan. 2026
The study found that in cirrhosis, a change in gene regulation, specifically the removal of chemical marks from the PAF-R gene, causes the gene to become overactive.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 11 Jan. 2026
This reduces the overactive immune response that causes psoriasis.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 6 Jan. 2026
Sleep disturbances also lead to greater inflammation, which is when the immune system’s natural responses become overactive.
—Jenalee Doom, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overactive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overactive
Adjective
-
Law enforcement experts who reviewed the videos for CNN said the officers’ use of deadly force likely stemmed from lack of training or a failure by the agents to follow it during the heated encounter.—
Yahya Abou-Ghazala,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Within the heated tent, visitors can also enjoy live acoustic music by local musician Jamey Darnold.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Bowe is excited for the 2026 Winter Games — particularly the return to fans in the stands, as they were still barred from attending in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Sean Neumann,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Strassler is particularly excited about the study of radioactive thorium-229 decay, which could reveal variations in the fundamental constants.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
They easily could have been mistaken for agitated sports fans, and their actions were small and diffuse enough that they could be quickly dispersed.—
Davood Moradian,
The Atlantic,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Stewart conjures Lidia’s complex inner life with agitated images and a bold editing scheme that flashes back and ahead.—
Jillian Steinhauer,
New Yorker,
23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This hyperactive rhythm section allowed Belew and Fripp to expand the definition of lead guitarists.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
11 Jan. 2026
-
The Aussie trio’s rowdy rants, unpretentious attitudes and pub accents come across as the hyperactive equivalent of chasing a can of Red Bull with a round of Malort shots.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overactive. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
