1
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole
the overall view seems to be that we're doing fine economically
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in broad
relating to the main elements and not to specific details
there's an overall similarity in the looks of the models for that chain of clothing stores
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people
the overall mind-set among the people in our town seems to be that any increase in taxes is bad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in collectively
with everyone or everything taken into account at the same time
reduce the budget overall by 15 percent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mostly
for the most part
overall, this is a good speech, but it could use a little humor
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 overall
Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
But our model [late night] within that overall model has been very profitable for, like, 70 years, starting with Steve Allen.
—Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
Cutter Martin, CBS News, 6 May 2026
As has been the case, job creation was concentrated in a few key categories, an indication that while hiring overall is solid, the benefits are not being spread out over sectors.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Adjective
While the overall structure stays the same from one company to another, each group gives it a different life.
—Liz Rothaus Bertrand, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
But our model [late night] within that overall model has been very profitable for, like, 70 years, starting with Steve Allen.
—Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
Adverb
Mother's Day Weekend, overall, is looking decent.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 6 May 2026
As has been the case, job creation was concentrated in a few key categories, an indication that while hiring overall is solid, the benefits are not being spread out over sectors.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overall
Adjective
-
Bus lanes there are physically separated from general traffic.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
While general manager Jeff Pagliocca has been quick to trade high draft picks in the past, the front office still has a desire to build through the draft — and has not been successful in that endeavor.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
The partnership expands in spring 2027 with a broader assortment of footwear, accessories and small leather goods.—
Katie Abel,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
-
However, when combined with broader tax regimes, these tax policies may contribute to gradual shifts in where ultra-wealthy individuals allocate assets, particularly toward lower-tax jurisdictions.—
Trevor Laurence Jockims,
CNBC,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.—
Betsy Golden Kellem,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Wildfires burning in Miami-Dade and Broward have collectively consumed thousands of acres, reducing local air quality and impacting visibility.—
Sarah Perkel,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
-
Bird hope this will collectively allow creators to win commissions or secure investment from broadcasters and streamers.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
Adverb
-
Social Security benefits – paid mostly to recipients who are older or retired – are typically scheduled to go out on Wednesdays.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
-
And yet the ceasefire has mostly held.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
But the company is bracing itself for an avalanche of cheaper generic versions of its drug as the patent protecting its active ingredient, semaglutide, expires this year in several countries, including India and China.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
-
The environments themselves often resemble generic fantasy soundstages, and at a point, every arena feels distinct yet meaningless.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Cost of living, public safety and border security are hurting working families.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
In California, the effects of the breach rippled across the state’s largest public and private institutions within hours Thursday.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
Adverb
-
The adult wasps die during the year and larvae generally pupate and emerge the following year.—
Pamm Cooper,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
But Tom Peter, the mastermind behind the Lismore, Australia five-piece, is restless enough to have churned out three full-length records in just over a year, generally adopting the stance that demos and final takes are one in the same.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overall. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
