1
as in teeming
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1
as in spilling
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
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2
as in flooding
to cover with a flood
the swollen river overflowed the surrounding land and washed several houses away
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3
as in bursting
to be copiously supplied
a magazine that usually overflows with home-repair tips for the do-it-yourselfer
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overflowing
Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
And Zermatt itself also has pockets of traditional charm, with streets lined with chalet after chalet and overflowing flower boxes.
—Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
JPMorgan has even needed to lease additional space to facilitate staffers’ return, renting several floors in the former Credit Suisse office close to the US lender’s overflowing European headquarters.
—Jack Sidders, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025
So there Wilson went toward the overflowing Aces’ bench.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
The more unexpected takeaway was the show's graphic depiction of an overflowing toilet as the climax of the episode, which was set on Thanksgiving Day.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In the suburban village of Wauwatosa, an overflowing and fast-moving Menomonee River submerged a popular playground.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Myka has her birthday party at a polo field so that everyone can take lessons and her hottie brother can wear cowboy boots and look like the most American thing in England outside of a McDonald’s soda cup that is overflowing with ice.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
My mom had a penchant for creating whimsy, and the gardens were always overflowing with endearing, often vintage garden decor to attract birds, butterflies, and to simply add charm.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
The Granbury City Council chambers was nearly overflowing with people Tuesday evening as residents came out to speak on the agenda items and voice their disapproval and disappointment.
—Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Date nights at sushi restaurants are very common, with elegant dishes or overflowing indulgent rolls making for good conversation material and a cozy backdrop.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
But no-trade clauses are difficult to navigate, and the Jets’ prospect pool isn’t overflowing with tradeable excess; Winnipeg’s best route to its next top-end player is through a top pick.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Amy Winehouse performed to an overflowing Gobi Tent.
—Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Both women occasionally smiled through their tears, telegraphing poise and control more than an overflowing inner joy.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
One of Cash’s interests, carried over from Earth Angel, her 2023 debut book of short stories, is an overflowing index of animal references.
—Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
And Zermatt itself also has pockets of traditional charm, with streets lined with chalet after chalet and overflowing flower boxes.
—Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
JPMorgan has even needed to lease additional space to facilitate staffers’ return, renting several floors in the former Credit Suisse office close to the US lender’s overflowing European headquarters.
—Jack Sidders, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025
So there Wilson went toward the overflowing Aces’ bench.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
The more unexpected takeaway was the show's graphic depiction of an overflowing toilet as the climax of the episode, which was set on Thanksgiving Day.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In the suburban village of Wauwatosa, an overflowing and fast-moving Menomonee River submerged a popular playground.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
The long-running series is enjoying its latest act on Netflix after previously airing on Fox and USA, tantalizing viewers by thrusting four couples due for a reckoning into an exotic locale overflowing with sultry singles whose only goal is to flirt.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Myka has her birthday party at a polo field so that everyone can take lessons and her hottie brother can wear cowboy boots and look like the most American thing in England outside of a McDonald’s soda cup that is overflowing with ice.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026
My mom had a penchant for creating whimsy, and the gardens were always overflowing with endearing, often vintage garden decor to attract birds, butterflies, and to simply add charm.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
The Granbury City Council chambers was nearly overflowing with people Tuesday evening as residents came out to speak on the agenda items and voice their disapproval and disappointment.
—Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
Date nights at sushi restaurants are very common, with elegant dishes or overflowing indulgent rolls making for good conversation material and a cozy backdrop.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026
But no-trade clauses are difficult to navigate, and the Jets’ prospect pool isn’t overflowing with tradeable excess; Winnipeg’s best route to its next top-end player is through a top pick.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Amy Winehouse performed to an overflowing Gobi Tent.
—Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Both women occasionally smiled through their tears, telegraphing poise and control more than an overflowing inner joy.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflowing
Adjective
-
The new findings are confounding scientists’ expectations, raising questions about how exactly molecules can encounter their reactive partners in a teeming, crowded space — and therefore how cells can possibly function.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
An indoor fire near The Alley at Latta Arcade that caused $5,000 in damages on Tuesday night was due to an overloaded electrical device, a Charlotte Fire Department spokesperson said.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Mar. 2026
-
For example, the robot can identify potential safety hazards, such as an unstable pallet or an overloaded shelf, and report them so the issues are addressed.—
Liam Rappleye,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Teddi Mellencamp is ready to start spilling some dating tea.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Over the last three months, there’s fresh evidence that sizing changes are spilling into other categories, Classi-Zummo said.—
Melissa Repko,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But bad actors have learned to weaponize that same amendment as a shield, flooding the information ecosystem with content designed to discreetly destabilize our communities.—
Julian Baron,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Widespread damaging wind gusts and flooding rainfall are still to come as storms hit areas already battered by a multi-day onslaught of twisters, massive hail and historic flooding.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This vibrant city is a foodie’s sanctuary, a shopper’s delight, and a cultural hub bursting with museums, galleries and cafes.—
Kalpana Fitzpatrick,
TheWeek,
15 Apr. 2026
-
My heart is constantly bursting open, while also breaking into a million pieces.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Senate race was the most high-profile of several crowded Democratic primaries for federal offices in which the sources of campaign contributions and spending by outside groups became a major flashpoint.—
Dan Petrella,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Summer can be crowded and hot, so plan your visit during a shoulder season month, like May or September, to encounter fewer people while still enjoying ideal weather.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The suit argued that Live Nation's exclusivity contracts, threats to rivals, and leveraging of market domination over artists breached antitrust laws, resulting in inflated prices and stifled competition.—
Kiana Mickles,
Pitchfork,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Attendees wearing cowboy hats line danced, petted fluffy white calves and posed for pictures in front of an inflated cactus.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some fails stem from people overfilling the molds.—
Lisa Gutierrez
April 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Overflowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overflowing. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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