1
as in flood
a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms
a great overflow of water from the heavy rains swept mud and silt down onto the highway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
an overflow of help actually made the job more complicated
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to flood
to flow over the brim or top of
while the wine steward stood there gawking at the nearby celebrity, my expensive champagne was overflowing its glass and pouring onto our table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to engulf
to cover with a flood
the swollen river overflowed the surrounding land and washed several houses away
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overflow
Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026
Hepburn said later in the meeting the student was being escorted to an overflow area because there were no seats available in the boardroom, and district policy requires people in the boardroom to be seated.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
At the baseline, that means making sure not to let the trash can overflow and instead taking it out often, as well as ensuring spots like your trash can, sink disposal, or fridge are free of any mystery odors.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overflow
Noun
For one, a sushi bar stands between the main dining room and an overflow/private dining room.
—Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2026
Hepburn said later in the meeting the student was being escorted to an overflow area because there were no seats available in the boardroom, and district policy requires people in the boardroom to be seated.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
The policy also reduces the chance of being seated next to a passenger who overflows into adjacent seats.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
At the baseline, that means making sure not to let the trash can overflow and instead taking it out often, as well as ensuring spots like your trash can, sink disposal, or fridge are free of any mystery odors.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overflow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflow
Noun
-
When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
During heavy rainfall, there is a risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
His ability to not only balance our budget but to turn a surplus while adding so many citizens is a model that should be applauded and envied.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026
-
That program also is slated to share in future state surpluses to increase its scope.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In addition to the garden, a grassy rooftop offers what is essentially a backyard in the sky, with open views across the surrounding neighborhood, while the primary suite spills onto its own terrace—an ideal perch for morning coffee.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Meteorologists attributed the pattern to frigid Arctic air funneling into eastern North America and then being driven south as strong high-pressure systems helped force the jet stream into a pronounced dip, allowing colder air to spill into lower latitudes.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In a disturbing incident in the northern city of Rasht, regime forces shot unarmed civilians trying to escape an inferno engulfing its bazaar.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The home was fully engulfed in flames and then collapsed.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
By the time Aubry came back for season 38, her head was swirling from her time in the reality television bubble, and her psyche was ready to burst.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Still, my pick is Astropical by the power duo Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana — a cosmic-tropical oasis bursting with vibrant sonic textures that feel both exhilarating and otherworldly.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
On Monday, dozens more congressional Democrats agreed to join as co-sponsors of legislation seeking to impeach Noem, amid the torrent of negative headlines and controversy.—
Jennifer Jacobs,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Among a torrent of new policies that changed the landscape for seeking American citizenship, the administration also rescinded guidance on where ICE arrests could happen, leading to raids at schools, hospitals and places of worship.—
Hugh Son,
CNBC,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This included no meaningful excess of memory loss or dementia, depression, sleep disturbance, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, nausea, fatigue or headache.—
Sara Moniuszko,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Bloomberg Intelligence has estimated that if Uber continues to fare poorly in early trials, the company may ultimately have to pay in excess of $500 million to settle more than 3,000 pending cases.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
To reduce ice crystal formation and freezer burn, use airtight packaging and avoid overfilling the freezer so air can circulate properly.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Just be sure to wash towels according to color and never overfill the machine.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overflow. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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