Definition of overflownext
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
3
as in to burst
to be copiously supplied a magazine that usually overflows with home-repair tips for the do-it-yourselfer

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 overflow
Noun
In August, supervisors in Pinal County, Arizona, voted down a large data center campus after so many residents turned up to object that the county opened five overflow rooms across three buildings. — Adhum Carter Wolde-Lule, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 The building reached maximum capacity, and the city opened an overflow building that also reached capacity. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 Oct. 2026
Verb
Plenty of other artists have garages overflowing with customs, invite-only supercars, and other unobtainium, though, and most of those collections likely never turn a wheel, let alone do useful work. — Stephen Edelstein, The Drive, 1 Nov. 2026 Mix the unique transmission with that generation Vantage’s most intimidating looks, and you’re left with a car overflowing with bravado. — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overflow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflow
Noun
  • In 1966, the banks of the Arno river burst, causing the most destructive flood Florence had ever experienced.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Others were evacuated from New Mexico's Rio Arriba County, where the Rio Chama was under a flood warning through Tuesday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Global oil markets have shifted to a supply surplus, despite months of disruption caused by the war in the Middle East.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Budget surpluses will be deposited into the state's savings program, but could also allow for legislators to avoid taxpayer rebates.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Much ink has been spilled over Judd’s commitment to permanent installation in Marfa, but the architecture makes clear that permanence was never a matter of fixing an arrangement once and for all.
    — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Much ink has been spilled this election cycle about the competitive races that could determine which party controls Congress.
    — Barbara Sprunt, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Paxton attendees were shocked at the blue tsunami that engulfed the country.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Thick black smoke engulfed the crash site and little remained of the plane.
    — DAVID FISCHER, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Brand did arrive at court with a Holy Bible bursting with index tabs.
    — Luke Jones, Vanity Fair, 5 Nov. 2026
  • One of the world’s largest circular fashion ecosystems, Kantamanto Market is a vibrant tangle of upcyclers, secondhand retailers, and other market traders, bursting with creativity.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The claim led to a torrent of stomach-churning abuse and harassment directed at Dangerfield and her husband.
    — Nathan Taylor Pemberton, Vanity Fair, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Recently, a torrent of sparkling drinks has flooded in-person and online shelves, all with a dash of sugar instead of zero or artificial sweetener.
    — Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In 2021, Johnson was paid in excess of $7,500 in connection with her work for the companies, including the one that had received the payment from the reselling company, according to court documents.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But Halloween excess, with its pillowcases full of candy, elaborate costumes for everyone from babies to adults to dogs (and a few unlucky cats), could not be more American.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Raw shell eggs were overfilled in an insert tray and measured 55 degrees.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • On the other hand, overfilling the drum can strain the motor and reduce cleaning efficiency.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overflow. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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