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Definitions

overzealous

[oh-ver-zel-uhs] / ˈoʊ vərˈzɛl əs /
ADJECTIVE
excitable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
demonstrative fidgety fiery high-strung hysterical impulsive restless skittish temperamental
WEAK
agitable alarmable edgy emotional enthusiastic fierce galvanic hasty hot-headed hot-tempered impatient impetuous inflammable intolerant irascible mercurial moody nervous neurotic passionate peevish quick quick-tempered rash reckless sensitive short-fused susceptible testy touchy uncontrolled uneasy vehement violent volatile volcanic
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm cold cool laid-back
WEAK
easy easygoing insensitive passive unexcitable uninspired
ADJECTIVE
hyperactive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
excitable high-strung
WEAK
hyper overactive uncontrollable wild
ADJECTIVE
officious
Synonyms
WEAK
busy forward impertinent inquisitive interfering intrusive meddlesome meddling obtrusive opinionated pragmatic pushy rude
Antonyms
WEAK
modest shy timid
ADJECTIVE
partisan
Synonyms
STRONGEST
biased one-sided sectarian sympathetic unjust
STRONG
accessory blind colored die-hard exclusive fanatic partial
WEAK
adhering bigoted cliquish conspiratorial denominational devoted jaundiced prejudiced prepossessed tendentious unreasoning warped zealous
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fair unbiased
WEAK
disinterested

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They’re overzealous because the law is very clear that oversight of these markets is the exclusive province of the federal government.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

To a modern eye, this might seem overzealous.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

And we can thank the overzealous adoption of A.I. for that.

From Slate • Oct. 17, 2025

The film opens with our feline encountering a pack of overzealous canines in the blooming forest before napping in a seemingly abandoned Northern European-inspired home.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 19, 2024

The warrant officer in charge of field exercises is the commandant, an overzealous schoolmaster named Bastian with an expansive walk and a round belly and a coat quivering with war medals.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr

Vocabulary lists containing overzealous

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