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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Recent Examples of overkill
However, Origin may be overkill for beginners or anyone looking for a basic budgeting app with a minimal interface.
—
Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Global shutter and 120fps capture are overkill for the vast majority of photographers.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026
When a super-stiff shirt collar feels like overkill, go for a lighter application of starch to maintain the garment's structure, while opting for a slightly more relaxed feel.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
Beuerlein lamented that fans can’t just watch all the games on TV at home for free, calling the NFL’s expansion to streaming services overkill.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 20 May 2026
Global shutter and 120fps capture are overkill for the vast majority of photographers.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 13 May 2026
When a super-stiff shirt collar feels like overkill, go for a lighter application of starch to maintain the garment's structure, while opting for a slightly more relaxed feel.
—Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026
Beuerlein lamented that fans can’t just watch all the games on TV at home for free, calling the NFL’s expansion to streaming services overkill.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overkill
Noun
-
Minnesota is currently working with a small $3 billion surplus.—
Mary Murphy,
Twin Cities,
9 June 2026
-
When a seller prices tickets below what the market would bear, the surplus doesn’t disappear, but rather, moves into queues, bots, and resale platforms.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
The three host nations of the World Cup – Canada, Mexico and the United States – are home to around 200,000 ultra-high net worth individuals, those sitting on fortunes in excess of $30 million.—
Stefan Szymanski,
Fortune,
12 June 2026
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Fox also has said the play’s politics are intentionally elusive, but its main target is identity-politics excesses.—
Frank DiGiacomo,
HollywoodReporter,
12 June 2026
Noun
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After a perfect drive on 18, Korda took the walk that so many champions have taken, strolling up Riviera’s famed 18th fairway, staring at the overflow crowd sitting around the green that was waiting to cheer her victory.—
Bob Buttitta,
Daily News,
8 June 2026
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Later this summer, McFadden plans to reopen a former juvenile jail and keep adults there to manage overflow.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overkill. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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