Definition of overstepnext
as in to exceed
to go beyond the limit of the principal overstepped her authority in ordering everyone to remain in the unheated school

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 overstep Federal judges blocked that effort in June 2026, saying the Education Department was overstepping its statutory authority, but the department has appealed. — Maya Benjamin,dan Avery, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 In the former case, the government has set out some specific parameters that the broadcasters cannot overstep, which are understood by all and are not ultimately about any political slant of the speech. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 Now in retirement, Wakefield remains a man who isn’t afraid to speak plainly but also won’t overstep in areas outside of his purview. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026 Chan was the subject of backlash in the Enhypen fan community after she was accused of overstepping boundaries while attending a concert in July. — Moises Mendez Ii, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overstep
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overstep
Verb
  • The blowout news from SpaceX’s Q3 earnings wasn’t the rocket and AI giant’s outstanding performance that far exceeded even the analysts’ elevated expectations, but Elon Musk’s revelation that SpaceX and Tesla are weighing a merger.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The fires that burned above the Rio Ruidoso watershed far exceeded that threshold.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Jay Ajayi ties an NFL record by surpassing 200 yards rushing for the second game in a row, helping the Miami Dolphins rally past the Buffalo Bills 28-25.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Although prices reached record highs for 2026, the statewide average for regular gasoline has not yet surpassed that all-time record.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster