overdo Hear it!

overdo Definition

overdo (ō′vər do̵̅o̅′)

transitive verb -·did′, -·done′, -·do′·ing

  1. to do too much, or to excess
  2. to spoil the effect of by exaggeration to overdo an apology
  3. to cook too long; overcook
  4. to overwork; exhaust; tire

intransitive verb

to do too much; esp., to exhaust oneself by doing too much

overdo Synonyms

overdo

v.

  1. To do too much

    magnify, pile up, pile on, amplify, overestimate, overreach, stretch, overvalue, go too far, carry too far, overplay, overrate, exaggerate, hyperbolize, go to extremes, overstate, enlarge, enhance, exalt, bite off more than one can chew*, run into the ground*, do to death*, go overboard*, butter one's bread on both sides*, carry coals to Newcastle*, burn the candle at both ends*, lay it on*, have too many irons in the fire*, have one's cake and eat it too*; see also exceed.

    Antonyms neglect*, underdo*, slack. *

  2. To overtax oneself physically

    overlabor, overwork, overload, overlade, overdrive, strain, overstrain, fatigue, exhaust, overtire, wear down, collapse; see also tire 1, weary 2.

    Antonyms loaf*, take it easy, dawdle.

overdo Usage Examples

Object

  • thing: Maybe he does not want to overdo the babe baby thing.
  • bit: The sound is a bit overdone at times; I would have preferred fewer instruments in some of the pieces.
  • anything: I'm speaking of ' knowing ' where to add the right embellishments, in the right places - and not to overdo anything.
  • activity: The only way to break this cycle is not to overdo either activity or rest.
  • effect: Don't overdo the effects tho unless you want the video to look like something off Top of the Pops circa 1980!
  • exercise: However, do not overdo exercise, otherwise your symptoms may worsen.

Preposition: with

graphics: If your site is overdone with graphics or its information is outdated or difficult to find, there will be few return visits.

Modifying Another Word

  • slightly: Tho the constant use of red and blue is perhaps slightly overdone - at times it's like watching a tinted silent movie!
  • somewhat: This is accompanied by an almost continuous somber soundtrack, the final effect being somewhat overdone.
  • rather: Now, Then from Rastus Johnson's Cakewalk #2, November 1993 Alas, I feel that I rather overdid it here.
  • n't: All moving parts need to be lightly oiled from time to time - do n't overdo the oil.
  • probably: The color balance seemed fine although the technique of lighting up one side of the face was probably overdone.
  • little: Oh no, me dear, " the lady replied with an innocent air that was just a little overdone.