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

Most take several days to travel Earth’s distance from the Sun, and the overwhelming majority sail harmlessly into the outer solar system. —Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025

These could include feelings of overwhelming sadness (despondence), a sense that life will never get better (hopelessness) or actual thoughts of killing themselves. —Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025

If the thought of hosting a monster bash feels overwhelming, keep it lowkey by inviting just a few friends over for a Halloween dinner, and ask everyone to bring a little something to share. —Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

But filtering through every online retailer and big box store’s special savings promotions is overwhelming. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

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