as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
an overabundance of desserts at a potluck dinner
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Recent Examples of overabundance
Queuers would rather sit on the floor than skip the lounge for a chair at the gate, a desperation that might have something to do with Instagram envy, inequality, or an overabundance of premium-economy professionals with business-class expectations.
—
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
While some see overabundance and others see scarcity, a distinction that appears to bridge the gap is the level of talent under discussion.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
The boom has materialized thanks to an overabundance of solar panels available from neighboring China, which has been steadily ramping up its production of solar technology.
—Betsy Joles, NPR, 21 Aug. 2025
An overabundance of secondhand textiles paired with greater need (and higher prices) for sorting and processing have threatened the viability of textile recycling and circularity in Europe.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overabundance
Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
While some see overabundance and others see scarcity, a distinction that appears to bridge the gap is the level of talent under discussion.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025
The boom has materialized thanks to an overabundance of solar panels available from neighboring China, which has been steadily ramping up its production of solar technology.
—Betsy Joles, NPR, 21 Aug. 2025
An overabundance of secondhand textiles paired with greater need (and higher prices) for sorting and processing have threatened the viability of textile recycling and circularity in Europe.
—Jennifer Bringle, Sourcing Journal, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overabundance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overabundance
Noun
-
Will the Rockies, who have a surplus of young outfielders, make a spring training trade?—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The law aims to dramatically reduce landfill waste — especially organic waste — and requires many businesses to donate edible surplus food to organizations like Feeding San Diego.—
Patty Oconnor,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ellison acquired Weiss’s the Free Press, a centrist digital news site that often targets excesses of the political left and is staunchly pro-Israel.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Stomach-turning excesses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have turned many Americans’ abstract political preference into something uncomfortably concrete.—
George F. Will,
Washington Post,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The main attraction was its abundance of outdoor space, including a front balcony, a rooftop deck and a garden area.—
Carisa Crawford Chappell,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds are drawn to the abundance, taking advantage of a resource that is otherwise scarce.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overabundance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overabundance. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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