OVERACTIVE Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

overactive

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv

Definition of overactive

as in heated

being in a state of increased activity or agitation the boy manages to panic himself by his own overactive imagination

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of overactive Mood stabilizers influence brain receptors that release and maintain neurotransmitters, calm overactive circuits and strengthen cellular connections over time. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 In the nineties, Edenberg helped identify genetic differences linked to overactive ADH enzymes, which would cause people to turn alcohol into acetaldehyde more quickly. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Consuming superpotent thyroid tablets can cause an overactive thyroid and issues like weight loss, heat intolerance, fatigue and hypertension, according to the notice. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 In both conditions, key immune cells, primarily T and B cells, become overactive and attack healthy tissues rather than protecting the body from pathogens. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overactive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overactive

Adjective

Those contentions — and Bartell’s claim of a second list of 17,000 potential noncitizen voters — only add to an already heated debate about the scope of the inquiry and its legitimacy.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
During a June 24 special meeting, Knight ordered the removal of fellow board member Anita Kurn following a heated discussion over a vacant board seat, according to Iredell Free News.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of heated

Adjective

We are excited by the prospect of evolving the Festival beyond what people have come to expect.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Layer in Musk's visionary nature and ability to get investors excited, and you're left with an earnings conference call that should be considered required reading for any market participant.

— Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of excited

Adjective

Pressed by a reporter on a Zoom call about specific players, Wade grew agitated and defiant.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
When the door finally opened, an agitated young man who resembled Ryan Gosling (Rett Keeter) shined an LED flashlight directly into my eyes, a gesture that would become familiar over the next hour.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of agitated

Adjective

The cultural idea that ADHD mostly impacts children is finally changing — no longer is the condition synonymous with fidgety, hyperactive kids.

— Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2026
Jo, raised by her grandmother, is hyperactive, wild, free-spirited, and a talented artist but often acts out in school.

— Parents, Parents, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of hyperactive

Browse Nearby Words

overacting

overactive

overacts

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overactive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of overactive

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes