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 Citrus County, where a small town was slated to play host to Florida’s first hyperscale data center, opponents of the project packed the commission and exceeded its overflow room, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026 The mansion itself was originally constructed in 1640 to accommodate the overflow of guests to their hunting parties; the porticos on the eastern and westerly wings were once stable doors. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026
Verb
At the time, the space was filled with tables and shelves overflowing with antiques, tchotchkes and vintage portraits from a lifetime of collecting. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 San Jose State suspended its policy in 2019 in response to overflowing waitlists and financial hardship for students. The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overflow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflow
Noun
  • Along the road, however, they are suddenly met with a trickle, and then a flood of refugees.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Peter van Duijvendijk is a flood defense manager at the Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard water corporation, one of 21 such organizations covering the Netherlands that are responsible for issues including flood control.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That’s down from last year, when the mayor declared a $1 billion surplus that generated a $576 million windfall for CPS.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The club was originally looking to rebalance its farm system by trading from its outfield surplus for upper-level middle-infield or catching depth.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • Seal granite to enhance stain resistance, blot spills immediately, and use coasters, trivets, and mats to prevent damage.
    Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Views spill over Lake Pleasant and the Adirondack wilderness.
    Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Mazda was engulfed in flames, and all three vehicles were virtually destroyed.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • In 2022, a fire engulfed large sections of the resort in flames, causing significant damage.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The flames that burst from each copper pipe aren’t responsible for generating the organ’s tones.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The Saturday morning calm at Catalina Island Health’s two-bed emergency room was broken just before noon, when two tourists with arm injuries burst in within minutes of one another.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • On the campaign trail, Mamdani received a torrent of criticism over his past calls for defunding the NYPD and pledges to transform the city’s public safety apparatus.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The torrent’s force moved boulders more than 20 feet in diameter and weighing more than 275 tons, equivalent to the heft of more than 150 Subaru Outbacks.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Grantham’s own framing reaches for an even longer horizon, tying market excess to demographic collapse and resource scarcity.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Or, the homeowner can choose to use battery storage and avoid an excess of $10,000 of expense of just upgrading the board.
    Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • On the other hand, overfilling the drum can strain the motor and reduce cleaning efficiency.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2026
  • Doctors overfill their schedules and often put in double shifts at the hospital.
    AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overflow. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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