1. to refine or perfect something excessively; to apply too much refinement or detail to something
Usage: third person singular present tense of 'overrefine'; often used critically to suggest unnecessary or counterproductive elaboration

Examples

• The writer overrefines every sentence until the prose becomes stiff and unnatural.
• She overrefines her argument with so many qualifications that the main point gets lost.
• The designer overrefines the product with unnecessary features that confuse users.
• He overrefines his technique to the point where it loses spontaneity and charm.
• The committee overrefines the proposal with endless revisions and minor adjustments.
• When you overrefine a simple idea, you often destroy what made it powerful in the first place.