overstep

verb

over·​step ˌō-vər-ˈstep How to pronounce overstep (audio)
overstepped; overstepping; oversteps
Synonyms of overstepnext

transitive verb

: exceed, transgress

Synonyms of overstep

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Examples of overstep in a Sentence

the principal overstepped her authority in ordering everyone to remain in the unheated school
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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.
There are also worries that some local law enforcement could overstep. — Ashley Lopez, NPR, 6 June 2026 The trade court ruled 2-1 that Trump overstepped the tariff power that Congress had delegated to the president under the law. — ABC News, 11 June 2026 In December, Rozier requested that the case be dismissed, arguing that the government had overstepped by charging him with fraud. — Tom Winter, NBC news, 28 May 2026 This extravagant, cartoonish, and shockingly unfunny folly about the hysteria surrounding a Japanese invasion of California shows a boy-wonder director testing his limits — and overstepping them. — Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstep

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overstep was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing overstep

Rhymes for overstep

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Browse Nearby Words

oversteer
overstep
overstep the bounds/limits
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Cite this Entry

“Overstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstep. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overstep

verb
over·​step -ˈstep How to pronounce overstep (audio)
: to step over or beyond : exceed
overstepped their authority

More from Merriam-Webster on overstep

Nglish: Translation of overstep for Spanish Speakers

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