OVER WHELMED Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

overwhelmed 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of overwhelmed

as in bewildered

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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

Newport Institute frames it as a low barrier mental health entry point, not a substitute for therapy but an easy first step for anyone feeling overwhelmed by constant urgency. — Allison Palmer july 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 Instead, spreading out tasks and to-dos will make everyone feel less overwhelmed. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 6 July 2026

Verb

Goldstein was comatose and had been placed on a ventilator after pneumonia overwhelmed her lungs. — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Investigators said the vessel attempted to return to shore as the weather worsened but was overwhelmed by the storm. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelmed

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelmed

Adjective

Away from the bewildered rancher calling out in surprise, away from the Appaloosa.

— Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Massachusetts State Police ushered thousands of bewildered attendees into the tunnel.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of bewildered

Verb

In a separate GoFundMe page, Castillo’s family said they were devastated by his death.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
The new flight comes as American Airlines twice daily direct flights between MIA and Caracas remain suspended following multiple earthquakes on June 24 that devastated Venezuela’s capital.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of devastated

Verb

Graphic videos of the shooting flooded social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle condemned the killing – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
The pipes had clogged and the room was flooded with sewage coming up a drain.

— Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of flooded

Adjective

Spice brand McCormick & Company may be one company to employ a more staggered pricing strategy.

— Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 9 July 2026
Against a team of higher quality, Portugal were less able to prevent Colombia from building through the pitch, with a staggered front three in their defensive shape as Vitinha and Ruben Neves went man-for-man in the middle.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of staggered

Verb

Jude Bellingham scored twice in a two-minute span to give England a 2-0 lead, Mexico rallied, Kane scored the go-ahead goal on a penalty kick and England overcame a Jarell Quansah red card, playing the final 48 minutes a man down.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Pitching in the rotation spot vacated when Randy Vásquez went on the IL with a right ankle bruise, Márquez overcame a 31-pitch first inning and was able to walk off the mound four innings later pumping his fist after throwing just 51 more.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026

Definition of overcame

Verb

Platner's withdrawal caps days of turmoil that had engulfed his campaign and intensifies pressure on Democratic leaders to quickly coalesce around an alternative candidate.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 July 2026
After the crash, the motorcycle caught fire and was engulfed in flames, police said.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of engulfed

Adjective

Then, in a span of just 13 remarkable minutes, Argentina scored not once, not twice, but three times, capping a comeback for the ages and leaving Egypt stunned and shellshocked.

— Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 7 July 2026
From there, Argentina appeared stunned but pressed forward to climb out of a massive hole with only minutes remaining.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of stunned

Verb

Of course, Branch crushed it, nearly recording her vocals in one take.

— Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2026
Jakarta, Indonesia — A pickup truck carrying wedding guests was crushed between two trucks on a busy highway on Indonesia's main island of Java, killing 13 people and injuring five others, police said Monday.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of crushed

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“Overwhelmed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelmed. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of overwhelmed

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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