Overthink: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone spends too much time thinking about something in a way that causes unnecessary stress or worry.

• Stop overthinking your presentation. You'll do great!
• I tend to overthink every decision, which makes me anxious.

Often used in a more formal or psychological context to describe deep or reflective thinking, sometimes implying a repetitive and negative pattern of thought.

• He tends to ruminate on his failures instead of celebrating his successes.
• After the breakup, she would ruminate for hours.

Used when someone is preoccupied with something to the extent that it dominates their thoughts and actions, usually in a negative or unhealthy way.

• She obsesses over her appearance every day.
• Don't obsess about being perfect, just try your best.

Often used when someone continues to think or talk about something unpleasant for too long, especially in a negative way.

• Don't dwell on your past mistakes; focus on your future.
• She tends to dwell on negative feedback longer than she should.

Typically used when someone is overly focused on a particular idea or object, often to the exclusion of other things.

• He fixates on his grades so much that he forgets to enjoy the learning process.
• Try not to fixate on that one minor error in your report.