overly

adverb

over·​ly ˈō-vər-lē 

: to an excessive degree : too

Synonyms of overly

• too
• excessively
• unduly
• extremely

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Elsewhere, Julia Fox erupted on the scene, sporting skinny brows, overly blushed cheeks, black liner and glossed lips, no less. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Excessive regulations and overly stringent environmental laws make construction difficult, reducing supply and making homes too costly for most Californians. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026

That tension, between using AI as a tool and becoming overly dependent on it, has become one of the central debates across industries. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Here, the sneakers and their counterparts feel thrown together rather than overly styled. — Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overly

• overlie

Kids Definition

overly

adverb

over·​ly ˈō-vər-lē 

: to an excessive degree : too