adj

overzealous

oh-vuh-ZEH-luhs

Overzealous (adj) means Too eager or enthusiastic, often to an unhelpful or excessive degree. Example: “An overzealous security guard turned away several ticket holders by mistake.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

adj

Too eager or enthusiastic, often to an unhelpful or excessive degree.

"An overzealous security guard turned away several ticket holders by mistake."

"The overzealous fan tried to climb onto the stage."

How to use overzealous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo enthusiastic about something that it becomes a problem.

Common pairings

overzealous enforcement overzealous fan overzealous editor

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like overzealous.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more overzealous comparative, most overzealous superlative

Test yourself on “overzealous” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

An _____ security guard turned away several ticket holders by mistake.

Etymology

From over- + zealous.

Rhymes for overzealous

yous nous pious joyous heinous ominous curious anxious copious tenuous tedious spurious

See all rhymes for overzealous →

Frequently asked questions

What does “overzealous” mean?

The word “overzealous” means too eager or enthusiastic, often to an unhelpful or excessive degree. In plain terms, so enthusiastic about something that it becomes a problem.

How do you pronounce “overzealous”?

“Overzealous” is pronounced oh-vuh-ZEH-luhs (/ˌəʊvəˈzɛləs/ in IPA).

How do you use “overzealous” in a sentence?

Here is “overzealous” used in a sentence: “An overzealous security guard turned away several ticket holders by mistake.”

What part of speech is “overzealous”?

“Overzealous” is an adjective.