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
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 overly
Lighter, airy styles with details like eyelet and lace are everywhere right now, offering a softer, more elevated alternative to anything overly fitted.
—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
4 July 2026
The kernels should develop dark golden spots without becoming overly blackened.
—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Cárdenas talked with episode director Trey Edward Shults about the right way to illustrate the Bowdens’ POV and landed on a number of devices that would alter reality without becoming overly self-conscious.
—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
3 July 2026
As the second half began, Cape Verde continued to hold off the Argentinians and managed a couple of opportunities on the opposition’s goal, though nothing that overly troubled Emiliano Martínez.
—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for overly
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
4 July 2026
The kernels should develop dark golden spots without becoming overly blackened.
—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
3 July 2026
Cárdenas talked with episode director Trey Edward Shults about the right way to illustrate the Bowdens’ POV and landed on a number of devices that would alter reality without becoming overly self-conscious.
—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
3 July 2026
As the second half began, Cape Verde continued to hold off the Argentinians and managed a couple of opportunities on the opposition’s goal, though nothing that overly troubled Emiliano Martínez.
—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for overly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly
Adverb
-
Traditional studios might adopt Chinese models for some preproduction tasks such as concepting, but the geopolitical and intellectual property risks for commercial generations are too prohibitive.
-
His father, Brian Cohn, jumped into the pool to try to pull him out, but the suction from the drain was too strong.
Adverb
-
But being excessively loud in cabins, hallways, or public areas, and disrupting the peace for others isn’t cool.
-
Both point out that pickle juice is high in sodium; infrequently or in small doses, that’s fine, but if consumed excessively, pickle juice can pretty quickly put you beyond the daily amount of sodium health experts recommend that people consume.
Adverb
-
The legal scholars watching this expect the eventual fights to turn on old questions, whether a state law unduly burdens interstate commerce, whether federal rules quietly override it.
-
Cynics think that Manchesterism is a mirage and that Burnham is unduly hogging the credit for the regeneration of the city’s downtown.
Adverb
-
That restraint also challenges the idea that sauvignon blanc must be extremely aromatic to be recognizable.
-
Superconductors can carry electricity with zero resistance, but only at extremely low temperatures.
Cite this Entry
“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overly. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
