overwhelming

adjective

over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈ(h)wel-miŋ How to pronounce overwhelming (audio)
Synonyms of overwhelmingnext
: 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
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In the meantime, the support system has been overwhelming, as Garcia described while choking back tears. Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 For many brands, especially emerging ones, navigating this complexity while maintaining their unique identity can be overwhelming. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 8 May 2026 But this hit different, a mixture of pride and overwhelming joy. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 8 May 2026 Cramer expects the company to benefit from overwhelming demand for chipmaking machines. Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelming

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwhelming was in 1567

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Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwhelming. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

overwhelming

adjective
over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈhwel-miŋ How to pronounce overwhelming (audio)
-wel-
: great sense 4, extreme
an overwhelming response
overwhelmingly adverb

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