as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
the song already borders on the maudlin—the addition of a syrupy string accompaniment would just be overkill
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Recent Examples of overkill
However, Origin may be overkill for beginners or anyone looking for a basic budgeting app with a minimal interface.
—
Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Global shutter and 120fps capture are overkill for the vast majority of photographers.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026
When a super-stiff shirt collar feels like overkill, go for a lighter application of starch to maintain the garment's structure, while opting for a slightly more relaxed feel.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
Beuerlein lamented that fans can’t just watch all the games on TV at home for free, calling the NFL’s expansion to streaming services overkill.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Global shutter and 120fps capture are overkill for the vast majority of photographers.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026
When a super-stiff shirt collar feels like overkill, go for a lighter application of starch to maintain the garment's structure, while opting for a slightly more relaxed feel.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
Beuerlein lamented that fans can’t just watch all the games on TV at home for free, calling the NFL’s expansion to streaming services overkill.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overkill
Noun
-
When the state's income tax refund fund carries a surplus of $150 million or more, money over that amount will be directed to pensions.—
Ben Szalinski,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
-
From thematic artwork to a surplus of shiplap, many beach homes have rather predictable appearances.—
Kelsey Mulvey,
Vogue,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
For years, surgeons have been suctioning fat from areas of excess and processing it into microfat and nanofat before injecting it into the face.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
11 Dec. 2025
-
With Christmas around the corner, many households may find themselves with an excess of batteries, new and old.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
In one clip, Kamohai pushes a snow plow-like device through the garage to push around the overflow.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
-
The temporary power outage caused a sanitary sewer overflow on Patapsco Avenue, which was quickly slowed by DPW's Utility Maintenance Division, officials stated.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overkill. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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