1
as in overpowering
Related Words
Relevance
2
as in crushing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
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
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 overwhelming
Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Due to overwhelming demand, Moody Center has added two additional George Strait concert dates on May 15-16 with Carter Faith.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Sarah Scott, Parents, 16 Jan. 2026
Cropped bomber jackets add polish, edge, and proportion, all without overwhelming a smaller frame.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Adjective
The messages, posts, and overwhelming positivity shared about him truly reflect his character, work ethic, and passions.
—Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Due to overwhelming demand, Moody Center has added two additional George Strait concert dates on May 15-16 with Carter Faith.
—Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
The slightly shorter length hits at the hip without overwhelming the body.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 16 Jan. 2026
Cropped bomber jackets add polish, edge, and proportion, all without overwhelming a smaller frame.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Adjective
-
Now, with so much more football and the overpowering nature of the internet providing both a platform for promotion but also ridicule, the role of the commentator is very different.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Vinegar is pretty overpowering, even to humans, so don’t overdo it.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Right now, Nordstrom Rack has this cardigan marked down a staggering 88 percent.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Compared to conflicts involving major powers since World War II, Moscow’s losses are staggering.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
While an eight-game winning run saw Cherki, Foden and Haaland hit their devastating best, three frustrating draws against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion were characterised by wastefulness in front of goal.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Group members want to see Bonta’s office take ownership of a review, as occurred in Hawaii after Maui’s devastating Lahaina fire.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Trump opened the session with a lengthy spiel suggesting that the spigots of Venezuelan oil would soon be open, flooding the market with cheap petroleum for the benefit of American taxpayers, Venezuelan citizens and big oil companies.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
For some, the helicopters flying overhead and protesters flooding the streets this week felt hauntingly familiar.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The British press found her tendency to downplay her artistry irresistible.—
Christopher Tayler,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Seeing one of the best players in the world react like a weekend warrior at the local park is irresistible eye-candy and endlessly relatable.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Antisemitism has no place in our city, and violence or intimidation against Jewish New Yorkers is unacceptable.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
These actions, coupled with her own words, reveal an unacceptable disdain for our constitutional system of checks and balances.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
In the box score, Robinson’s day was stupendous with 195 yards on 22 carries as well as five catches for 34 yards and his two touchdowns.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Dec. 2025
-
Steier’s clear writing and stupendous graphics from Sara Chodosh and Taylor Maggiacomo illuminate how vaccine critics and Kennedy allies David and Mark Geier have relied on a web of shoddy science — and gives readers tools for how to not fall for the anti-vaccine playbook.—
STAT Staff,
STAT,
29 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Here’s her strategy for overcoming procrastination.—
Sophie Caldwell,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
-
For Nayyar, overcoming user hesitancy, particularly among older generations, has been an ongoing educational process.—
Esha Chhabra,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
