as in too
beyond a normal or acceptable limit
there's no need to be overly careful about the rough draft, since we'll polish it afterwards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 overly
Voting rights groups say the various proposals seeking to require proof of citizenship are overly burdensome and threaten to disenfranchise millions of Americans.
—
Christina A. Cassidy, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Chung predicted Lee won't be able to pursue overly drastic steps on foreign policy and security, given the country's foreign exchange and financial markets are very vulnerable to such changes.
—Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
Moscow had upped the intensity of its missile and drone strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks, drawing sharp rebuke from Trump, who is disinclined to overly criticize the Kremlin.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Hygiene makes the ideal man more acceptable for that private members' club aura, keeping things fresh and well-maintained, while moisturizing and avoiding looking overly oily or dry.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overly
Christina A. Cassidy, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
Chung predicted Lee won't be able to pursue overly drastic steps on foreign policy and security, given the country's foreign exchange and financial markets are very vulnerable to such changes.
—Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
Moscow had upped the intensity of its missile and drone strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks, drawing sharp rebuke from Trump, who is disinclined to overly criticize the Kremlin.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Hygiene makes the ideal man more acceptable for that private members' club aura, keeping things fresh and well-maintained, while moisturizing and avoiding looking overly oily or dry.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly
Adverb
-
But there are many times when Ait-Nouri resorts to his tricks too readily, with his over-elaboration putting his team in trouble.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
Similarly, if one person yells loudly during a funeral, other people will, too.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2025
Adverb
-
The same tools that can encourage positive behaviors may be weaponized for manipulation, spreading misinformation, or unduly influencing vulnerable populations.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
Only Chicken Little would unduly worry about such an environmental change possibility some 75 years down the pike.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Adverb
-
Mills, a longtime associate of Fiona Apple, knows this territory well: the pointed self-analysis of an extremely sensitive person.—
Jenn Pelly,
Time,
7 June 2025
-
City’s academy has been extremely productive in recent years, with Phil Foden the shining light, but Rico Lewis, James McAtee, Oscar Bobb and O’Reilly are all now established squad players.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overly. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share