overpayment

noun

over·​pay·​ment ˌō-vər-ˈpā-mənt How to pronounce overpayment (audio)
plural overpayments
Synonyms of overpaymentnext
: payment that exceeds what is necessary
overpayment of taxes
… implemented electronic payrolls for all employees to prevent overpayment …— Jocelyn Brumbaugh
also : an amount that is paid in excess
… two taxpayers could not get refunds of tax overpayments dating back more than four years … — Samantha McCaughren

Examples of overpayment in a Sentence

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.
In total, improper payments at the agency — including all accidental overpayments and underpayments — accounted for just under 1% of the $8.6 trillion in total payments from 2015 to 2022, according to a 2024 audit. — Laura Doan, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2025 The report also estimated that between 2015 and 2022 there were a substantial $72 billion in improper payments, mostly from overpayments. — Karlyn Bowman, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025 Zadorov signings looked like overpayments at the time and already haven’t aged well. — Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Harris’ email quotes the GAO’s finding that 74% of the overpayments, or $175 billion, went to people who are dead or no longer eligible for government assistance. — Danielle Battaglia, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overpayment

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpayment was in 1585

Rhymes for overpayment

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Cite this Entry

“Overpayment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpayment. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Legal Definition

overpayment

noun
over·​pay·​ment
ˈō-vər-ˌpā-mənt
: payment in excess of what is due

More from Merriam-Webster on overpayment

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