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
  • Lent during the Statesman’s preview cautioned against stereotyping people entering the country and said immigration remains an integral part of the U.S. economy.
    Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Troy schools board president Karl Schmidt loses reelection after his letters stereotyping Asians were uncovered.
    Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 8 Nov. 2024
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 visa expired in February 2023, but Soliman has not exhausted legal efforts to remain in the U.S., according to NBC.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 June 2025
  • The object could be a white dwarf—an Earth-sized husk that remains after a star has exhausted its nuclear fuel.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Strive to indulge once in a while without overdoing it.
    Leigh Morgan, Quartz, 2 June 2025
  • McDonough added extra springs and air bags to handle the camper weight and a winch up front, but otherwise has stayed away from overdoing the build.
    Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 29 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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