over·stretch
ˈō-vər-ˌstrech 
plural overstretches
: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits
an overstretch of political power
… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.—
Robert G. Patman
Robert G. Patman
over·stretch
ˌō-vər-ˈstrech
overstretched; overstretching
: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits
Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool.—Eileen Hobden
Eileen Hobdentemperature changes causing the tire to overstretch
They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.
Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer.—Christina McAnea
Christina McAneaExamples of overstretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebSalam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
The Navy’s overstretch may have also contributed to a pair of tragic accidents.
—Gil Barndollar, TIME, 12 Feb. 2024
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Aug. 2024
The Israel Defense Force is already overstretched in Gaza.
—CBS News, 28 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overstretch 
Noun
Washington’s Looming Middle Eastern Quagmire The war in Gaza, American overstretch, and the case for retrenchment.
—Salam Fayyad, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
The Navy’s overstretch may have also contributed to a pair of tragic accidents.
—Gil Barndollar, TIME, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
With so many arrests, the courts will face a challenge in processing all the charges at a time when the criminal justice system is overstretched, following years of austerity and the covid-19 pandemic.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Aug. 2024
The Israel Defense Force is already overstretched in Gaza.
—CBS News, 28 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overstretch
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overstretch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overstretch
Cite this Entry
“Overstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstretch. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
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