adverb
- in an excessively nice, refined, or fastidious manner; with too much attention to propriety or delicacy
Usage: informal; often used critically or humorously
Examples
- She overnicely declined the invitation, using so many polite phrases that her refusal seemed insincere.
- He spoke overnicely about the failed project, avoiding any honest criticism.
- The instructions were written overnicely, making them confusing rather than helpful.
- Don't be overnicely formal with your friends; just be yourself.
- She overnicely avoided mentioning the obvious problem in the room.