over·stretch
ˈō-vər-ˌstrech 
plural overstretches
: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits
an overstretch of political power
… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.—
Robert G. Patman
Robert G. Patman
over·stretch
ˌō-vər-ˈstrech
overstretched; overstretching
: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits
Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool.—Eileen Hobden
Eileen Hobdentemperature changes causing the tire to overstretch
They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.
Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer.—Christina McAnea
Christina McAneaExamples of overstretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Washington’s Looming Middle Eastern Quagmire The war in Gaza, American overstretch, and the case for retrenchment.
—Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Playing all sides can lead to isolation, and pursuing every opportunity for engagement can overstretch countries that simply do not have a superpower’s resources.
—Mustafa Kutlay, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstretch
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Noun
Ray Dalio repeatedly warned of this scenario: spiraling debt leading to economic and military overstretch, unchecked inequality, declining investments in education and infrastructure, ultimately eroding trust through endless debt accumulation and money printing.
—Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Washington’s Looming Middle Eastern Quagmire The war in Gaza, American overstretch, and the case for retrenchment.
—Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
Verb
Nani is the only one who understands Lilo’s eccentricity, but Nani is overstretched and struggles to care for her little sister, resulting in the state threatening to take Lilo away from Nani.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Playing all sides can lead to isolation, and pursuing every opportunity for engagement can overstretch countries that simply do not have a superpower’s resources.
—Mustafa Kutlay, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstretch
Cite this Entry
“Overstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstretch. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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