overuse

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈyüz How to pronounce overuse (audio)
Definition of overusenext
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 Meanwhile, existing antibiotics have been overused, and resistance has mounted to critical levels. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026 The fastest ways to lose that hotel feel include overusing plug-ins, which read as synthetic, and mixing too many competing fragrances at once. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 Don’t Overdo the Booze While a preflight or in-flight cocktail might sound like a good idea to calm jangled nerves, both experts caution against overusing alcohol to manage anxiety in the air. — Jill Robbins, Travel + Leisure, 5 June 2026 The Mets need to be careful about potentially overusing him and their other high-leverage relievers such as lefty Brooks Raley and right-hander Luke Weaver. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse
  1. stereotype
  2. overexpose
  3. popularize
  4. vulgarize
  5. exhaust
  6. overdo
  7. bore
Verb
  • But cultural myths and urban legends have also stereotyped them into Halloween mascots, demonic beings and carriers of diseases.
    — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The last, written shortly after George Floyd’s death, implored people to listen to state-champion basketball coach Mike Bethea — a black man urging the public not to stereotype cops.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of stereotype
Verb
  • Imai had pitched twice in the previous 19 days, occupying a roster spot while leaving his fellow relievers overexposed.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While some use leverage strategically, many are overexposed, risking severe losses when markets inevitably correct, proving even good ideas can fail without surviving volatility.
    — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of overexpose
Verb
  • The successful release proved that Linkin Park was here to stay, and also that the nu metal subgenre the band helped popularize at the turn of the century was not done ruling the airwaves.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Of course it’s also known for its authentic dishes that helped popularize Mexican food in the area and its strong margaritas.
    — Richard Guzman, Daily News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of popularize
Verb
  • His versions were full-blooded, with lush strings and reasonably large orchestras — and, purists alleged — vulgarizing distortions.
    — BostonGlobe.com, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Oct. 2019
Definition of vulgarize
Verb
  • Your eyes will thank you College students often fall asleep without removing their contacts, especially when exhausted from late-night studying or over-intoxicated from partying.
    — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Qualifying members who exhaust their income protection will now be covered up until May 1, 2028, Gee said.
    — Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhaust
Verb
  • But Montgomery cautions against overdoing it with vinegar as a weed control method.
    — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026
  • From two-tone cardigans for dinner and straw hats for family beach days to her signature breezy button-downs, Markle’s getaway style is a master class in looking polished without overdoing it.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of overdo
Verb
  • As its name suggests, the beetle bores into trees, drilling tunnels to create breeding galleries.
    — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Needless to say, Parker and Stone quickly got bored with the subject, adding a subplot that saw Obama teaming up with his apparent nemesis John McCain to dig a tunnel from the Oval Office to the Smithsonian and steal the Hope Diamond.
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of bore

Browse Nearby Words

overturns
overuse
overused
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overuse. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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