as in stereotyping
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
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Recent Examples of overusing
De-escalate the Crisis Narrative The word crisis is splashed across every headline regarding mental health, but Redding warns that overusing this term can actually hinder our ability to help.
—
Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
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
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
The perception problem While filler words can help conversations flow, research suggests overusing them may signal uncertainty or a shaky command of the material (or language in general).
—Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Revenge and Williams say that precision, without overusing heat, is key.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Education experts and parent advocates who are concerned about schools overusing devices for instruction said the documents shed new light, in candid detail, on the business motivations behind one of the biggest technology companies marketing its products to teachers and school administrators.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
Results build gradually, so skipping days or overusing strong formulas can set you back.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026
Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
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
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
The perception problem While filler words can help conversations flow, research suggests overusing them may signal uncertainty or a shaky command of the material (or language in general).
—Angela Haupt, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Revenge and Williams say that precision, without overusing heat, is key.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
Education experts and parent advocates who are concerned about schools overusing devices for instruction said the documents shed new light, in candid detail, on the business motivations behind one of the biggest technology companies marketing its products to teachers and school administrators.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 23 Jan. 2026
Results build gradually, so skipping days or overusing strong formulas can set you back.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 17 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overusing
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
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Jordan also describes stereotyping on set, recalling producers reducing her to racial tropes, while adding that Black contestants who approached Barker would sometimes be met with visible discomfort.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Many people damage their nails by picking at their cuticles, for example, or drying them out by overexposing them to water.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2026
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That range can provide diversification benefits without overexposing retirees to price swings that don't generate dividends or interest.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The lamp adds a pop of color and personality without overdoing it, and comes in hues like dark green, navy blue, crimson, and beige.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 May 2026
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Of course, finding a way to pay homage to a movie that came to define a generation — without overdoing it — would be no small feat.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Sliding effortlessly from incisive observer to chaotic flirt to exhausting narcissist, Firstman is never not in on the joke.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
13 May 2026
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Martinez on Thursday did not discuss details of the plan but said the city was exhausting all its options while seeking more ways to cut costs.—
Abby Church,
Houston Chronicle,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However, with their perpetual pose of undeserved victimhood, Zionists were boring first.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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Carpenter ants and wood-boring beetles are also common, especially in older homes and damp crawl spaces.—
Ryan Brennan
May 15,
Charlotte Observer,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overusing. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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