OVER WHELMED Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

overwhelmed 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of overwhelmed

as in bewildered

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

overwhelmed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of overwhelm

as in devastated

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in flooded

to cover with a flood that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of overwhelmed

Adjective

But this episode adds layer after layer of complication onto the now-familiar Make Some Noise mechanics, until even the players frequently seem overwhelmed — especially their unexpected guest star. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 July 2026 The University of California system warned DHS that the department would be overwhelmed with extension applications, noting that one of its campuses estimated more than 4,500 students would need to apply for extensions each year. — Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 28 July 2026

Verb

Penny had seen ads for his company, which specializes in working with senior citizens overwhelmed by the downsizing process and the prospect of clearing out and fixing up their houses to sell. — Marni Jameson, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2026 Demand for the enormous artificial intelligence model had overwhelmed the company’s available computing capacity. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelmed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelmed

Adjective

One bewildered South African man said protesters had burst into his home and stolen the lunch from his plate.

— Julie Bourdin, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
In a little corner of my mind, however, history will always mean the tragic smashing of individual lives by its cruel hands and the scattering of bewildered people reeling from its blows.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026

Definition of bewildered

Verb

The massacre devastated Wilmington’s flourishing Black middle class and sent a message of impunity to white vigilantes nationwide.

— Namara Smith, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
The Village, which survived the disaster even as much of the rest of the surrounding downtown commercial corridor was devastated, has undergone an extensive restoration.

— Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of devastated

Adjective

This initial lock-up expiration is part of a staggered release, with more shares becoming tradable later.

— Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
That will be followed by staggered releases of about 7% of total shares at regular intervals through October, another unlock tied to the company's third-quarter earnings and a final release after 180 days.

— Yun Li, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of staggered

Verb

Kahleah Copper scored 27 points and the Phoenix Mercury overcame a 13-point deficit to beat the Golden State Valkyries 91-89 on Wednesday night in the return from the All-Star break for both teams.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Allisha Gray scored five of her 25 points in the closing seconds and the Atlanta Dream overcame a 15-point deficit to beat the Dallas Wings 82-81 on Wednesday night in the first game for both teams since the All-Star break.

— CBS News, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Definition of overcame

Verb

The resulting, room-sized artwork engulfed visitors in a swirling fantasia featuring bouncing balls, morphing nets and slow-motion action shots of Messi.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 29 July 2026
Between July and August 2003, Western Europe was engulfed by its hottest summer since meteorological records began in 1540.

— Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of engulfed

Adjective

Rushdie, who was about to speak on writers’ safety, was slashed 15 times in front of a stunned audience.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Rushdie, who was about to speak on writers’ safety when he was attacked, was slashed 15 times in front of a stunned audience.

— Jennifer Peltz, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026

Definition of stunned

Verb

The Mercedes owner, Roland Vergel De Dios, was in Queens visiting family when his car’s rear windshield and trunk were crushed by the falling tree.

— Theodore Parisienne, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
Rookie Chase DeLauter went 2-for-4 with three RBI, while Bailey crushed a home run in his 1-for-3 day at the plate.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of crushed

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“Overwhelmed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelmed. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overwhelmed

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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