overbroad

adjective

over·​broad ˌō-vər-ˈbrȯd How to pronounce overbroad (audio)
: too widely applicable or applied : excessively broad
an overbroad interpretation of the statute
… a litigant challenging an overbroad law …Laurence H. Tribe
… was reckless in its assignment of unnecessary and overbroad surveillance powers.The New York Times
But he tends, at times, to draw overbroad generalizations from his personal experience.Alexander Stille

Examples of overbroad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But proposals for quick and widespread takedown, with no safeguards or even discussion of the risks of overbroad censorship, are incomplete and irresponsible. Emma Llansó, WIRED, 18 Apr. 2019 The company’s own research revealed its overbroad influence, too, Mehta noted. Ben Guarino, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2024 The group claimed the law would impact their livelihoods due to the law’s overbroad language restricting artistic performances, especially considering the group’s drag-centric themes. Angele Latham, USA TODAY, 19 July 2024 The judge concluded that the law is overbroad and overly restrictive. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for overbroad 

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overbroad was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near overbroad

Cite this Entry

“Overbroad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbroad. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

overbroad

adjective
over·​broad
ˌō-vər-ˈbrȯd
: not sufficiently restricted to a specific subject or purpose
an overbroad search
especially : characterized by a prohibition or chilling effect on constitutionally protected conduct
an overbroad statute
compare vague
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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