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 But the real question isn’t whether BNPL is being overused. Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Other actions targeted parole programs that Republicans complained were overused by former President Biden but that nonetheless allowed Afghan evacuees and Ukrainian refugees into the country, along with migrants from certain Latin American countries. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 2 Feb. 2025 Musicians can develop dystonias from overusing certain body parts such as violinists who develop dystonia in their hands or trumpet players who develop dystonia in their lips. Indu Subramanian, The Conversation, 1 May 2025 The word timeless can sometimes be overused in fashion, but this is that word in action. Libby Page, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overuse
Verb
  • Their sons’ bodies are simultaneously privileged within the space of football and stereotyped as more mature, dangerous, and threatening in the real world outside of sport.
    Essence, Essence, 9 May 2025
  • Of course, dark-skinned Black women are historically stereotyped as aggressive even though Doechii’s urgent asks are relatively inoffensive in the grand scheme of celebrity misbehavior.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • Applying a minor exposure adjustment will naturally boost the contrast between darker and lighter tones of your image, and a good result will be one where the solar disk does not appear under- or overexposed.
    Josh Dury, Space.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The couple’s recent red-carpet appearance with their kids at Pompeo’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony was a rare one, and I, for one, kind of love that their family life is the antithesis of overexposed.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • After tabling the issue seven weeks ago, a vote was expected on Wednesday on the proposal by the Green Bay Packers to prohibit the play popularized by the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
    Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025
  • The play popularized by the Eagles has not been banned.
    Brandon Funston, New York Times, 21 May 2025
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
  • Ever since his rise to power, Trump has served as a vulgarizing agent.
    Leon Neyfakh, Slate Magazine, 2 June 2017
Verb
  • The board expects to establish authorize another buyback once the existing share repurchase is exhausted.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 23 May 2025
  • The Premier League attempted to broker an agreement but after exhausting all avenues the only option available in the time frame was to play at Joie Stadium.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • This work has taught Russell that there isn’t any need to overdo it.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Yet abroad, Germans are still caricatured as Nazis, and the remembrance culture plays a part by overdoing it.
    Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Ava is bored out of her mind and desperate to get to work.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 30 May 2025
  • With a drill bit almost as tall as himself, one of the volunteers bored a hole and dropped in a measuring tape with fold-out brass arms at its end.
    Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overuse. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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