Thesaurus results for OVERUSE

overuse

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈyüz

as in to stereotype

to use so much as to make less appealing she had overused that joke to the point where it was eliciting groans and not guffaws

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 overuse In some cases, overusing a fine-tooth comb could even backfire. —

Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026 Erie, for example, is one of the communities currently threatening to cut off water access to residents who are overusing water at this time. —

Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026 Dallas’ blue line has more depth in terms of numbers, but its top three producers have been overused. —

Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026 Where younger adults tend to become isolated after overusing smartphones, older adults tend to turn to phones after cognitive declines or being isolated from family and friends. —

Emily Kwong, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overuse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse

Verb

In crime coverage, journalists should create equity by being cognizant of correcting any coverage trends that privilege white groups over people of color, especially stereotyping Black and Latino men as violent.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
The pregnant body, unhidden Bolton argues that the pregnant body has either been ignored or stereotyped in art.

— Jocelyn Noveck, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026