overwhelming

1 of 2

adjective

over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈ(h)wel-miŋ 

: tending or serving to overwhelm

overwhelming force

overwhelming evidence

also : extreme, great

overwhelming indifference

an overwhelming majority

overwhelming

2 of 2

present participle of overwhelm

Examples of overwhelming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Václav Široký During totality, the moon blocks the overwhelming glare of the solar disk, revealing delicate structures in the sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026

That was the overwhelming message from a recent taster session of the upcoming Munich Fabric Start trade show, which kicks off in January. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 4 Nov. 2026

These products are designed to dissolve common washer buildup without overwhelming pumps, seals, or drainage systems. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2026

According to election results, Witt earned an overwhelming 67% of the votes. — Esme Murphy, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overwhelming

adjective

over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈhwel-miŋ 

-wel-

: great sense 4, extreme

an overwhelming response

overwhelmingly adverb