overthink

verb

over·think ˌō-vər-ˈthiŋk

overthought ˌō-vər-ˈthȯt

; overthinking

transitive + intransitive

: to think too much about (something) : to put too much time into thinking about or analyzing (something) in a way that is more harmful than helpful

overthink a situation/problem

someone who overthinks and worries too much

"I was a terrible actor when I went to New York. I was scared. I would overprepare, sometimes overthink a role."—

Paul Newman

For a while now, I've been finding current fiction hard to read: airlessly competent, relentlessly put-together, overthought.—

David Gates

overthinker noun

plural overthinkers

But the problem is I'm an overthinker. I contemplate and consider, deliberate and debate things small and large in my life. Simple things become complicated and easy decisions become complex. —

Alyssa Meier

Examples of overthink in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The lucky attendee is understandably nervous, but a stage manager tells her not to overthink it. —

Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2024 Don't overthink it Perhaps the most important takeaway is the importance of focusing on simplicity, rather than letting the idea of encouraging creativity be intimidating or time-consuming. —

Mia Taylor, Parents, 1 Aug. 2024 In writing, there’s a tendency to overthink, maybe even overprepare, trying to ensure conditions are just right before beginning a draft. —

Longreads, 23 July 2024 Don’t overthink your thirst — this is a place for thrilling, dramatic desire. —

refinery29.com, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for overthink

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overthink.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.