as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
the song already borders on the maudlin—the addition of a syrupy string accompaniment would just be overkill
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overkill
Mixing Small-Batch Recipes Sometimes a whisk isn’t quite enough, but hauling out a bulky mixer and all its attachments feels like overkill.
—
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
It must be corrected — but not with a chainsaw and mindless, inhuman, vindictive overkill.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 July 2025
Mark Strong’s menacing villain is a bit of a drip, and the finale devolves into CG overkill.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
The numbers seem to add up to internal-combustion-engine overkill and intimidation, especially in a rear-wheel-drive sports car.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 July 2025
It must be corrected — but not with a chainsaw and mindless, inhuman, vindictive overkill.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 July 2025
Mark Strong’s menacing villain is a bit of a drip, and the finale devolves into CG overkill.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 11 July 2025
The numbers seem to add up to internal-combustion-engine overkill and intimidation, especially in a rear-wheel-drive sports car.
—Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overkill
Noun
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Abiy has said the dam will improve access to electricity for the almost half the population who had none as recently as 2022, and export the surplus to the region.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
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There is even a world in which Winnipeg’s best play is to forget about its surplus of veteran defencemen, giving Salomonsson third-pairing minutes as soon as this season.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In 1956, long before those flashy rhinestone jumpsuits, the infamous Jungle Room, and all the Vegas excess, Elvis was just a handsome, super-talented guy playing high schools and military bases along the Gulf coast.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
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Panday plays a convincingly gruff tortured artist alongside Padda’s struggling ingenue, and most of the screen time is devoted to their pairing instead of introducing tertiary excess.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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What has the city done about the overflows?—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Sep. 2025
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And, for overflow guests—or to get away from guests—a total retreat is found in the one-bedroom guesthouse, which has a private entrance, a full kitchen, and even its own garage.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overkill. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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