as in too
beyond a normal or acceptable limit
there's no need to be overly careful about the rough draft, since we'll polish it afterwards
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Recent Examples of overly
Mars may try to push you into making an overly ambitious to-do list, so be sure to let the Moon in that more peaceful sector remind you to take a break!
—
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
The video continues to make its rounds online, with viewers debating whether the photographer’s approach was overly theatrical, or a uniquely beautiful take on documenting a wedding.
—Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
However, some functions can feel overly complex, and the interface could use some streamlining.
—John Brandon, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Here’s a floral print that’s not overly feminine, but can add a serious dose of upscale farmhouse energy to your space.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overly
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
The video continues to make its rounds online, with viewers debating whether the photographer’s approach was overly theatrical, or a uniquely beautiful take on documenting a wedding.
—Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
However, some functions can feel overly complex, and the interface could use some streamlining.
—John Brandon, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
Here’s a floral print that’s not overly feminine, but can add a serious dose of upscale farmhouse energy to your space.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly
Adverb
-
Yet a Miami Herald investigation shows that Florida’s Department of Children and Families too often does just the opposite.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
This seafood had been too warm for multiple days.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The former dictates an excessively politicized life, the latter an effort to escape from the political.—
Bradley Gitz,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Members of both parties have criticized the Justice Department's handling of the files' release, arguing that some files were inappropriately withheld or excessively redacted.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
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Support for the plan generally came from industry and regulatory reform groups who said the vehicle standards that rest on the endangerment finding are costly and unduly burdensome.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Unless, that is, the oath is found to unduly restrict freedom of speech, an argument that may find some support in the state Supreme Court, which would have the last word.—
Bob Egelko,
San Francisco Chronicle,
16 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
That can be attributed to the fact that Rolex models were already highly valued in 2018 and were also in extremely high demand during the pandemic.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
2 Apr. 2026
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Almost all natural bodies of water bear fish life, with the exception of very hot thermal ponds and extremely salt-alkaline lakes, such as the Dead Sea in Asia and the Great Salt Lake in North America.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overly. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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