overreact

[oh-ver-ree-akt] / ˌoʊ vər riˈækt /

VERB

panic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

lose it scare

STRONG

alarm clutch stampede startle terrify unnerve

WEAK

be terror-stricken become hysterical come apart freeze up go to pieces have a fit lose nerve push panic button run scared shake in boots

Antonyms

STRONG

calm

WEAK

be calm be content

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.

Nutrition experts commenting on the research have also urged people not to overreact.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

"I did overreact, yes, in the way I reacted. It could have been different but I ended up losing my head," added Neymar.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

If you lived through the 1970s oil shocks, you may overreact when you see $4 a gallon at the pump.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“I think panic is the wrong word, but I didn’t overreact on Thursday …” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

People around here didn’t overreact even when they hadn’t seen you for a year.

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck