overdue

adjective

over·​due ˌō-vər-ˈdü How to pronounce overdue (audio)
-ˈdyü
Synonyms of overduenext
1
a
: unpaid when due
an overdue bill
b
: delayed beyond an appointed time
an overdue train
overdue library books
2
: too great : excessive
an overdue share of the profits
3
: more than ready
overdue for a haircut

Synonyms of overdue

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Examples of overdue in a Sentence

She reminded him that the rent was overdue. He has many overdue bills. The train is 10 minutes overdue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When that overdue balance gets turned over to a collection agency, though, the situation can suddenly feel much more serious. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Haitian officials on Wednesday extended the registration deadline for candidates in the country’s long-overdue general elections by two weeks and announced a new date for the vote. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 Mark Paoletta, a White House official who chairs the panel, has said that the arch is a necessary and overdue addition to Washington’s landscape. — Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 What unravels is a long overdue appraisal of one of this century’s greatest pop-rock bands. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overdue

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overdue was in 1763

Rhymes for overdue

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Browse Nearby Words

overdub
overdue
overdye
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overdue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overdue. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overdue

adjective
over·​due ˌō-vər-ˈd(y)ü How to pronounce overdue (audio)
1
a
: unpaid when due
overdue bills
b
: not appearing or presented on time
an overdue train
an overdue book
2
: more than ready
a country overdue for governmental reform
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