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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overly
The sycophancy problem in action The Stanford study's findings about AI sycophancy—the tendency to be overly agreeable and validate user beliefs—may help explain some recent incidents where ChatGPT conversations have led to psychological crises.
—
ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Treatments are designed to be sensorial and effective without feeling heavy or overly perfumed.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Behavioral changes like being overly affectionate or aggressive are also common, and rabies typically develops three to eight weeks after being exposed.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
Others, like France and Spain, appear more dug-in, urging the EU not to agree to a deal that feels unbalanced or overly one-sided on tariffs.
—Myron Brilliant, Time, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overly
ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Treatments are designed to be sensorial and effective without feeling heavy or overly perfumed.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Behavioral changes like being overly affectionate or aggressive are also common, and rabies typically develops three to eight weeks after being exposed.
—Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2025
Others, like France and Spain, appear more dug-in, urging the EU not to agree to a deal that feels unbalanced or overly one-sided on tariffs.
—Myron Brilliant, Time, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overly
Adverb
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That’s proven to be a fruitful investment for the Yankees, who have primarily rotated Bellinger in the three outfield spots but use him intermittently at first base, too.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
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Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.—
Nena Farrell,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
Adverb
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There was nothing forced or unduly performative about any of these encounters; instead, my family and I left them feeling enriched and inspired.—
Flora Stubbs,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
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But because virtually every commercial space in Massachusetts fell within the ban, the court decided the law unduly restricted the First Amendment.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
Adverb
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Floor-to-ceiling windows lead to a private terrace and outdoor daybed, which makes for an extremely relaxing place to enjoy a cup of tea after a spa treatment, read a book in the afternoon, or just take in the gorgeous setting after returning from a day out.—
Hannah Freedman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
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Squishy Pebbles The story of Williams’ new result started with progress on a different question about memory in computation: What problems can be solved with extremely limited space?—
Ben Brubaker,
Wired News,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overly. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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