1
as in flood
a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms
a great overflow of water from the heavy rains swept mud and silt down onto the highway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
an overflow of help actually made the job more complicated
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to flood
to flow over the brim or top of
while the wine steward stood there gawking at the nearby celebrity, my expensive champagne was overflowing its glass and pouring onto our table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to engulf
to cover with a flood
the swollen river overflowed the surrounding land and washed several houses away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of overflow
Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 13 Feb. 2025
The board's 5-3 vote to remove Holloway was met with cheers from the overflow crowd of about 150 parents, teachers and principals on hand to show support for Galen Havner, principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.
—The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
In a world overflowing with information and influence, cultivating a mindset of skepticism and curiosity is essential.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overflow
Noun
The Denver Coliseum at 4600 N. Humboldt St. will open as an overflow shelter starting at 3 p.m. Saturday and will remain open through 11 a.m. Thursday, city officials said in a news release.
—Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 13 Feb. 2025
The board's 5-3 vote to remove Holloway was met with cheers from the overflow crowd of about 150 parents, teachers and principals on hand to show support for Galen Havner, principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.
—The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
If the church closing is buttoned down, there still remains the problem of what to do with the Park Forest Historical Society archives which overflow a large space in what used to be a large school room in the building.
—Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
In a world overflowing with information and influence, cultivating a mindset of skepticism and curiosity is essential.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overflow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflow
Noun
-
During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
16 Mar. 2025
-
When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The province generates enough power to sell its surplus to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, providing light to about 1.5 million U.S. homes and businesses.—
Chris Jones,
The Atlantic,
14 Mar. 2025
-
If every country in the world had a surplus, who would have the deficit?—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Jenna Ortega is spilling the tea on Wednesday‘s upcoming second season.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2025
-
The solar wind ripples through the heavens, spilling electric-green light into the night.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In 2015, a crowded nightclub in Bucharest, Romania was engulfed in flames after pyrotechnics were set off during a concert, killing 64 people.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN,
16 Mar. 2025
-
One thing led to another, and in a matter of just a minute, the side of the house was engulfed by flames.—
Ashley Hume,
Fox News,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Banks burst through those doors with a breakneck style.—
Steve Reaven,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2025
-
The tech bubble burst in 2000, sending the S&P 500 down by almost 50%.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
But for those unwilling to venture out to see the movie, Forbes reported, the temptation to find leaks and torrents apparently became hard to resist.—
Ashley Belanger,
Ars Technica,
7 Mar. 2025
-
In marrying into, then blowing the whistle on, the British monarchy, Meghan has both inspired love and hope and fangirls and been targeted with hate, including a torrent of racist, sexist abuse from the British tabloids and gross commentary from President Trump.—
Michelle Ruiz,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In reaction to the excesses and ideological overreach of the Left, a meaningful portion of the Right will embrace figures deemed sufficiently anti-elite, anti-globalist, and anti-woke — regardless of the evidence against their character or integrity.—
Liam Siegler,
National Review,
12 Mar. 2025
-
If shutdowns and debt ceiling clashes aren’t tools to curb federal excess, what else is?—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr.,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Toilet paper goes right into the film baggy – just don't overfill!—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Mar. 2025
-
In this new age of college basketball, with the transfer portal overfilled every year and Name, Image and Likeness money putting so much flexibility into the players’ hands, Rice knows the game is changing.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overflow. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share