Definition of overkill
: to obliterate (a target) with more nuclear force than required
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Recent Examples of overkill from the Web
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These guys need nine lives, as much as they’ve been overkilled.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overkill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of overkill
1957
Definition of overkill
1
: a destructive capacity greatly exceeding that required for a given target
2
: an excess of something (such as a quantity or an action) beyond what is required or suitable for a particular purpose
- publicity overkill
- an overkill in weaponry
3
: killing in excess of what is intended or required
Examples of overkill in a Sentence
Yes, we need a new car, but this huge truck seems like overkill.
the song already borders on the maudlin—the addition of a syrupy string accompaniment would just be overkill
Recent Examples of overkill from the Web
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To some, the large amount of money seemed like overkill against a political unknown such as Ranger and a couple of Libertarian and Reform Party candidates.
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So much for those who complain about Woods overkill.
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Baylor set the overkill standard by drilling Texas Southern by 89 points, 119-30.
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That’s a lot, especially by traditional standards, but the Giants often went with 13 last season, which amounts to serious overkill.
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Livestreaming thermal camera footage is overkill for anyone who's not a professional handyman, but maybe laser measurement is something every phone should have.
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The combination of the tax cuts and Trump’s rollback of Obama’s regulatory overkill has created a good atmosphere for investment.
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Most movie-goers are already used to the proliferation of Marvel movies at this point, the Mouse House might be afraid of some space overkill.
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Unfortunately, decision makers seem dead set on widening roads to facilitate driving to and past the Obama center, even though the numbers show that the current plan is overkill.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overkill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of overkill
1957
overkill Synonyms
Synonyms
bellyful, excess, fat, overabundance, overage, overflow, overmuch, overplus, oversupply, plethora, redundancy, superabundance, superfluity, surfeit, surplus;
Antonyms
Related Words
abundance, bounty, plentitude, plenty, profusion, sufficiency;
OVERKILL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of overkill for English Language Learners
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: something that is much larger, greater, etc., than what is needed for a particular purpose
Learn More about overkill
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See words that rhyme with overkill Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overkill Spanish Central: Translation of overkill Nglish: Translation of overkill for Spanish speakers
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