1
as in devastating
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in flooding
to cover with a flood
that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in overpowering
Related Words
2
as in crushing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of overwhelming
Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2025
In Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood, 5 inches of rain fell in just 90 minutes, flooding streets and homes, overwhelming sewers and prompting emergency water rescues on the city’s West Side.
—Howard Learner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Some popular online sites might be difficult to access or overwhelming for some age groups to navigate, but a physical card for a physical store could be a better fit.
—Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Verb
Hype about Trader's Joe's tote bags led to $500 listings
The overwhelming hype led people to list the bags for as much as $500 on online marketplaces like Facebook and eBay.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2025
In Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood, 5 inches of rain fell in just 90 minutes, flooding streets and homes, overwhelming sewers and prompting emergency water rescues on the city’s West Side.
—Howard Learner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
White corn is particularly popular among craft distilleries, as the mild flavor of its whiskeys allows other mash bill components, such as rye or barley, and the influence of barrel aging to shine without overwhelming the palate.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Some popular online sites might be difficult to access or overwhelming for some age groups to navigate, but a physical card for a physical store could be a better fit.
—Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Verb
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The race is technically nonpartisan but has become a de facto partisan contest, with millions of dollars flooding in from billionaire donors and outside special interest groups.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Mar. 2025
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And in so doing, that familiar feeling of hope and optimism has come flooding back for Bears fans, who just three months ago were again left downtrodden and dejected during an abysmal 10-game losing streak.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The amount of data Banks can glean simply from Eduardo jumping up and down on two metal sheets is staggering.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
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The Infrastructure Reality Check The numbers backing Altman's confidence are staggering.—
Daniel Newman,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Her charisma, comedic timing, and on-screen chemistry with Hagman made the character irresistible.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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There is something downright irresistible about a pie topped with billowy clouds of silky cream.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Hertz’s 10-month delay in contacting you is unacceptable and likely violates their own policies for handling claims efficiently.—
Christopher Elliott,
Mercury News,
28 Aug. 2025
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By the federal government’s own standards, USAID’s fire sale is unacceptable.—
Hana Kiros,
The Atlantic,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The sequel is certainly a stupendous achievement in terms of its animation, and clearly has great cultural resonance in its native country.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Aug. 2025
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Kayla McBride had 18 points on the strength of four triples, while Courtney Williams had 14 points, seven assists and five boards and Alanna Smith finished with eight points, nine rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks while quarterbacking another stupendous defensive effort.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
10 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The younger of the two, Bella, is unscathed; her sister had jumped into a pool to rescue her and ended up drowning herself.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner released its official report on Carter's death on April 18, 2023, attributing his cause of death to drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic form of brand-name Xanax.—
Johnny Dodd,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There was also a subplot about Derek going through a painful divorce.—
Rob Reiner,
New Yorker,
27 Aug. 2025
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Moscow is holding the U.S. president’s attention, forestalling a new round of painful U.S. sanctions, and keeping the fighting going.—
Alexander Gabuev,
Foreign Affairs,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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After decades of battling brutal conditions in the Bering Sea, Hansen, 59, is now facing something even more formidable than icy waves — his own mortality.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Huntington Beach: The Oilers remain formidable with the return of All-County duo of Roxie Shaia and Taylor Savage at quarterback and wide receiver, respectively. 4.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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