overwhelming

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

Examples of overwhelming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because his stance on climate change conflicts with overwhelming scientific consensus, the president has removed climate information from federal websites, approved scientifically unsound reports that favor fossil fuels, and gutted key scientific agencies and boards. —Joseph Bonasia, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026

From a slew of acids, designed to slough off dead skin cells, to masks that help draw and absorb oil, the sheer array can be overwhelming. —Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 15 May 2026

There is a lot going on with the R5 Mark II, including video functionality that could be overwhelming for new shooters. —Paul Brett, Space.com, 15 May 2026

Strategic pivots still require overwhelming evidence rather than one person's early warning. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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