overbroad
adjective
over·broad
ˌō-vər-ˈbrȯd 
: too widely applicable or applied : excessively broad
an overbroad interpretation of the statute
… a litigant challenging an overbroad law …—
Laurence H. Tribe
Laurence H. Tribe… was reckless in its assignment of unnecessary and overbroad surveillance powers.—The New York Times
The New York TimesBut he tends, at times, to draw overbroad generalizations from his personal experience.—Alexander Stille
Alexander StilleExamples of overbroad in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But proposals for quick and widespread takedown, with no safeguards or even discussion of the risks of overbroad censorship, are incomplete and irresponsible.
—Emma Llansó, WIRED, 18 Apr. 2019
The company’s own research revealed its overbroad influence, too, Mehta noted.
—Ben Guarino, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2024
The group claimed the law would impact their livelihoods due to the law’s overbroad language restricting artistic performances, especially considering the group’s drag-centric themes.
—Angele Latham, USA TODAY, 19 July 2024
The judge concluded that the law is overbroad and overly restrictive.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overbroad 
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.
Emma Llansó, WIRED, 18 Apr. 2019
The company’s own research revealed its overbroad influence, too, Mehta noted.
—Ben Guarino, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2024
The group claimed the law would impact their livelihoods due to the law’s overbroad language restricting artistic performances, especially considering the group’s drag-centric themes.
—Angele Latham, USA TODAY, 19 July 2024
The judge concluded that the law is overbroad and overly restrictive.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overbroad
Dictionary Entries Near overbroad
Cite this Entry
“Overbroad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbroad. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share