OVERACTIVE Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

overactive

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv

Definition of overactive

as in heated

being in a state of increased activity or agitation the boy manages to panic himself by his own overactive imagination

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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 overactive In the nineties, Edenberg helped identify genetic differences linked to overactive ADH enzymes, which would cause people to turn alcohol into acetaldehyde more quickly. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Consuming superpotent thyroid tablets can cause an overactive thyroid and issues like weight loss, heat intolerance, fatigue and hypertension, according to the notice. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 In both conditions, key immune cells, primarily T and B cells, become overactive and attack healthy tissues rather than protecting the body from pathogens. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 22 Aug. 2026 People with atopic dermatitis also have an overactive immune system, which can trigger inflammation. — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overactive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overactive

Adjective

But if the urge to work up a sweat arises, there’s a heated outdoor swimming pool and a full-size grass tennis court.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
More people are reaching for a heated mask instead of booking an appointment.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of heated

Adjective

The Fear Economy Pew Research found in August 2026 that 52% of Americans are more concerned than excited about AI, up from 37% in 2021.

— Bob Pearson, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Upon their arrival, the couple stopped to greet excited fans, several of whom had brought them flowers.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of excited

Adjective

Pressed by a reporter on a Zoom call about specific players, Wade grew agitated and defiant.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
When the door finally opened, an agitated young man who resembled Ryan Gosling (Rett Keeter) shined an LED flashlight directly into my eyes, a gesture that would become familiar over the next hour.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of agitated

Adjective

Jo, raised by her grandmother, is hyperactive, wild, free-spirited, and a talented artist but often acts out in school.

— Parents, Parents, 25 Sep. 2026
Finally, there was the matter of Pollak himself, whose hyperactive social posts could come across as cringe, leaving many, including some inside Coinbase, to see him as high on his own supply.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 20 July 2026

Definition of hyperactive

Browse Nearby Words

overacting

overactive

overacts

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“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overactive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overactive

adjective

Example Sentences

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