Synonyms for

Overly

Verb / ˈəʊvɜ:li: / Another word for overly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to an excessive or exaggerated degree

Synonyms & similar words

toafault too excessively excessively exaggeratedly extremely unreasonably immoderately unduly inordinately unusually abnormally exceptionally exorbitantly outrageously grossly disproportionately superfluously needlessly ridiculously absurdly

Synonyms by register

Formal

excessively inordinately unreasonably unduly

Informal

too much way too super really

Literary

overmuch overwrought

Antonyms

sufficiently adequately appropriately reasonably moderately justly

Common collocations

  • overly optimistic
  • overly sensitive
  • overly ambitious
  • overly concerned
  • overly critical
  • overly enthusiastic
  • overly simplistic

Word family

adjective over
adverb over

Usage note

Overly is an adverb that modifies adjectives or other adverbs, indicating an excessive degree. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting something is beyond what is normal or desirable.

Example sentences

  1. He was overly confident about his exam, but he failed.
  2. She ate overly spicy food and her mouth was on fire.
  3. He spent overly much on his vacation and had to borrow money.
  4. She apologized overly for being late.
  5. He worked overly hard and burnt out.

Quotes

  • 'My biggest pet peeve is when people are overly nice', Ellen DeGeneres
  • 'I'm overly ambitious because I realize it can be done', Pharrell Williams
  • 'I'm very hard on myself, and I'm overly critical', Scarlett Johansson

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