over·stretch
ˈō-vər-ˌstrech 
plural overstretches
: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits
an overstretch of political power
… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.—
Robert G. Patman
Robert G. Patman
over·stretch
ˌō-vər-ˈstrech
overstretched; overstretching
: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits
Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool.—Eileen Hobden
Eileen Hobdentemperature changes causing the tire to overstretch
They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.
Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer.—Christina McAnea
Christina McAneaExamples of overstretch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
John Rennie Short, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
Now Syria has become a symbol of overstretch.
—Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
Sabrina Weiss, The Dial, 23 Sep. 2025
Addressing such concerns will overstretch India’s military, further drain Indian coffers, and impede the development of Indian maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
—Moeed Yusuf, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstretch
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Noun
But the cost of this imperial overstretch has prompted Washington to shift the cost burden toward its former allies, leading to a new militarization in Europe and East Asia where most countries now aim to increase military spending.
—John Rennie Short, The Conversation, 11 Sep. 2025
Now Syria has become a symbol of overstretch.
—Jeremy Shapiro, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Its environmental agencies are overstretched and underfinanced, its activities often hampered by politics.
—Sabrina Weiss, The Dial, 23 Sep. 2025
Addressing such concerns will overstretch India’s military, further drain Indian coffers, and impede the development of Indian maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
—Moeed Yusuf, Foreign Affairs, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overstretch
Cite this Entry
“Overstretch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overstretch. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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