overreact
verb (used without object)
to react or respond more strongly than is necessary or appropriate.
had overreacted
-
past perfectof overreact.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
In the food court, two freshmen debated whether the university had overreacted with the new police patrols and K-9 unit.
From Slate ● Oct. 30, 2025
Grossi made clear, however, that he believed Iran had overreacted.
From Reuters ● Sep. 16, 2023
In a series of messages, he told her that he had overreacted, that he didn’t want to lose her, according to the law enforcement case file.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 30, 2017
He said he had overreacted to reports that said Mr. Obama planned to lecture him in their meeting about his unorthodox methods in combating the drug trade.
From New York Times ● Sep. 6, 2016
This, then, must have been why Crouch had overreacted to Winky being found beneath the Dark Mark.
From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling
