overly

adverb

over·​ly ˈō-vər-lē How to pronounce overly (audio)
Synonyms of overlynext
: to an excessive degree : too

Synonyms of overly

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Examples of overly in a Sentence

These directions are overly complex. She's overly sensitive to criticism. They didn't seem overly concerned about the problem.
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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.
Glossy tomatoes on the vine, a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano (party favors), piles of lemons, platters of antipasti, and dishes arriving from friends’ kitchens bring more life and color to a room than anything overly decorative ever could. — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026 Video games are one of the world’s most dominant storytelling mediums, yet the writing is often dismissed — not always unfairly — as melodramatic, overly serious and occasionally very stupid. — Gene Park, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026 Some will surely find Musk overly negative and conspiratorial. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 Squares of cardboard were pinned under burger patties to reinforce plumpness; motor oil was poured over pancakes so as not to overly moisten them. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overly

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overly was before the 12th century

Rhymes for overly

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Browse Nearby Words

overlusty
overly
overman
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Cite this Entry

“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overly. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overly

adverb
over·​ly ˈō-vər-lē How to pronounce overly (audio)
: to an excessive degree : too
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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