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
His newest spot is born out of an overflow of that creativity. Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Make sure gutters are connected to the house and don’t drip or overflow. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
LuPone’s cameo was the biggest reveal in an evening overflowing with surprises, all part of a Titanique tradition that dates back to the show’s Off-Broadway run. Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 Choose Camps Bay Beach for a party scene along a promenade that overflows with shops and bars, or take a stroll to Clifton, a more secluded beach partitioned into four sections by giant rocks. Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overflow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflow
Noun
  • The twin springs that gave the Revolutionary War battle its name are no more, inundated by the 1940s project that flooded the Santee River basin for hydroelectric power and flood control.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That heavy rainfall triggered floods and mudslides that destroyed roads and bridges.
    Chandelis Duster, NPR, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • After receiving unsolicited donations due to his online fame, Ashton chose to redirect these funds to clean seniors' bins for free, reinvesting any surplus into his business and savings.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Broward School District is considering the closure of 10 schools as officials look to address a surplus of 60,000 empty seats, a decision that has sparked concern among local families.
    Ted Scouten, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As the big rig and trailer were being towed from the area, officials said the truck was compromised, causing about 75 gallons of diesel fuel to spill and the westbound side of the freeway to close.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Wade predicted the McDonald’s expansion will spill into Florida.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Gunshots followed by an inferno Police responded to the home on Sunday evening and heard gunshots coming from out back, just before the house was completely engulfed in flames.
    Matthew Brown, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Police responded to the home on Sunday evening and heard gunshots coming from out back, just before the house was completely engulfed in flames.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Chinese authorities also warned that a barrier lake, which formed at the confluence of the Tsogyal and the Purupqiangzangbu rivers, is overflowing and may burst.
    Niranjan Shrestha, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Sip local wines like Norton or Vignoles, hop around downtown, or wander through orchards bursting with ripe apples while leaves crunch underfoot.
    Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Rescue teams and military helicopters searched Thursday for hundreds of missing people along the Nepal-China border, where a deadly torrent of water and mud several stories high swept through communities a day earlier following a glacier collapse.
    Shristi Kafle, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Shortly after their border crossing Wednesday, a towering torrent of water, rock and mud tore through the same Himalayan corridor.
    Laura Saravia, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour until well coated on both sides, shaking off any excess.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Las Vegas is known for its neon lights and over-the-top excess.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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