overly

adverb

over·​ly ˈō-vər-lē How to pronounce overly (audio)
Synonyms of overlynext
: to an excessive degree : too

Synonyms

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Examples of overly in a Sentence

These directions are overly complex. She's overly sensitive to criticism. They didn't seem overly concerned about the problem.
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.
Avoid Restrictive Diets Being overly restrictive with your food choices might cause you to overeat. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Apr. 2025 Transforming awkward spaces into conversation vignettes brings definition to overly generous circulation areas, says Becky Walter, design manager at Sineath Construction. — Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 Recalled sausage should be returned to the store for a full refund or thrown in the trash too deep for overly curious pets to get into it. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2025 But before this past week, the idea of flying up the standings much further seemed overly ambitious. — Anthony Slater, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overly was before the 12th century

Rhymes for overly

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Browse Nearby Words

overlusty
overly
overman
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Cite this Entry

“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overly. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

overly

adverb
over·​ly ˈō-vər-lē How to pronounce overly (audio)
: to an excessive degree : too

More from Merriam-Webster on overly

Nglish: Translation of overly for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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