overspend

verb

over·​spend ˌō-vər-ˈspend How to pronounce overspend (audio)
overspent ˌō-vər-ˈspent How to pronounce overspend (audio) ; overspending
Synonyms of overspendnext

transitive verb

1
: to spend or use to excess : exhaust
2
: to exceed in expenditure

intransitive verb

: to spend beyond one's means
overspender noun

Examples of overspend in a Sentence

The studio clearly overspent on marketing, and the movie was still a flop.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As The Wall Street Journal recently pointed out, Chicago squandered the money from COVID-19 relief and continues overspending under Mayor Brandon Johnson. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 That means the shopping window can stretch from early summer until after classes begin, giving families more chances to catch a promotion but also more chances to overspend without a plan. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 Bank of America’s 2025 Better Money Habits study found 59% of Gen Z consumers said little treats lead them to overspend. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 Former Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason, who oversaw Cleveland County jail operations for several years, also was accused in a state audit of overspending his budget and mismanaging the agency. — Jessie Christopher Smith, Oklahoman, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overspend

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overspend was in 1593

Rhymes for overspend

See All Rhymes for overspend

Browse Nearby Words

overspeed
overspend
overspill
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overspend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overspend. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overspend

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overspend

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