Synonyms of overkill

overkill

noun

ˈō-vər-ˌkil 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• surplus
• excess
• overflow
• abundance
• sufficiency
• surplusage
• overabundance
• redundancy
• plus
• oversupply
• superfluity
• overage
• surfeit
• plethora
• superabundance
• plenty
• fat
• overmuch
• overplus
• bounty
• bellyful
• overproduction
• profusion
• plentitude
• overstock

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deficiency
• deficit
• insufficiency
• lack
• scarcity
• want
• undersupply
• dearth

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overkill

Routing them through a reasoning agent is expensive overkill. — Jakob Freund, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Bill Plaschke’s and many Angel fans’ desire for Arte Moreno to sell his ownership of the Angels is an overkill. — Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026

But in Steyer’s case, his recent unrelenting attack ads against surging Becerra — now his chief campaign rival — are disturbing and seem like overkill. — George Skelton, Mercury News, 1 June 2026

Infectious disease experts said this plan was overkill because health departments already keep tabs on patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis using less onerous methods like regular phone calls. — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 29 May 2026