1
as in devastating
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in flooding
to cover with a flood
that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in overpowering
Related Words
2
as in crushing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of overwhelming
Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
In times of uncertainty, stress can feel overwhelming, seeping into every aspect of our lives—from our physical health to our mental clarity and emotional stability.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
Looking at the numbers, California’s gasoline demand of 874,000 barrels a day is already overwhelming the state’s refining capacity that falls to 740,000 barrels daily after the Phillips 66 closure.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Verb
In general, acting quickly is key since the pain can be sharp and overwhelming within the first few seconds.
—Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
In times of uncertainty, stress can feel overwhelming, seeping into every aspect of our lives—from our physical health to our mental clarity and emotional stability.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Both of these will amplify that creamy base and give you amped up staying power without overwhelming the floral heart.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
Looking at the numbers, California’s gasoline demand of 874,000 barrels a day is already overwhelming the state’s refining capacity that falls to 740,000 barrels daily after the Phillips 66 closure.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Verb
-
That changed after Inter’s devastating 5–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final — the worst defeat in the competition’s history.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Sol Price had relinquished his official leadership role, and Robert’s fifteen-year-old son had recently died of cancer, devastating the family.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But if so, that original dream did not last long in the face of the torrent of money that soon started flooding his way.—
Moisés Naím,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Americans are still flooding into money market funds, despite the the Federal Reserve’s latest campaign to lower borrowing costs.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Glade Plug-In Apple Cinnamon Refills, 5-Pack This fragrance is a little sweet, a little spicy, and 100 percent comforting — definitely not your typical overpowering air freshener.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Burman’s Mild and herby with a bright tang, this one was less overpowering than others.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Sulfuric aerosols trapped in ice cores suggest that a truly massive volcanic eruption took place in 1809, followed by a succession of smaller eruptions that culminated in the staggering explosion of Mount Tambora in 1815.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
-
The encouraging signals from both sides of the negotiations were a marked contrast from recent weeks, when Beijing’s announcement of new export restrictions and Trump’s reciprocal threat of staggering new tariffs threatened to plunge the world’s two largest economies back into an all-out trade war.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Penix and London, along with Bijan Robinson, have been heavily involved in Atlanta's offense this season, so regardless of who the opponent is missing, overcoming the loss of your starting quarterback and leading pass catcher will be a tough task.—
Cameron Belcher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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But there's also a lot of stories of people overcoming a lot of obstacles, and that's synonymous with what Kayla has done.—
Victoria Moorwood,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Israel’s self-defense policies risk engulfing the region in turmoil and harming the country’s stability.—
Yossi Shelley,
semafor.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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An opera which seriously addressed that theme would be equal to the crisis that is engulfing the American experiment.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
When cold bits of butter in cut biscuits hit a hot oven, the butter quickly turns to steam, creating little air pockets that push the dough upward and form those irresistible, flaky layers.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
26 Oct. 2025
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In a world saturated with casual sneakers and impossible-to-walk-in platforms, there’s something irresistible and exciting about returning to footwear that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing charm.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Denying people the essentials necessary for their survival, to obtain compliance or a political agreement, should be unacceptable.—
Anna Halford,
Time,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Controversy arose earlier this year after residents, a council member and the mayor declared a cooling station set up for homeless residents and others without adequate heating and cooling as unacceptable.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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