as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
the song already borders on the maudlin—the addition of a syrupy string accompaniment would just be overkill
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Recent Examples of overkill
These findings highlight the value of striking a balance between gung-ho overkill and long-term practicality—in the process, lending a strategic advantage to the quest for entrepreneurial success.
—
Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
And while the design and features are tailored to gamers, the Alienware Aurora also doubles as an overkill workstation, offering unmatched performance for video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling.
—Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
In what seems like downbeat overkill, his sweet old dog’s cancer has spread, forcing him to have the animal euthanized.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
That’s overkill for this simple machine.
—Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Samantha Dewalt, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
And while the design and features are tailored to gamers, the Alienware Aurora also doubles as an overkill workstation, offering unmatched performance for video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling.
—Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
In what seems like downbeat overkill, his sweet old dog’s cancer has spread, forcing him to have the animal euthanized.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
That’s overkill for this simple machine.
—Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overkill
Noun
-
The case questions whether a homeowner is owed the fair market value or just the surplus from a tax auction sale.—
Todd Spangler,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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But in baseball, on paper is the only place where a team can consider itself as having a surplus of starters.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Apply a thick paste to the stain and wait 10 minutes, then brush off the excess.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Lost in the drugs and the excess.—
Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This year, the event will include more product than ever, surprise rollouts throughout the day, and even a giant tent in the parking lot for overflow.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
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According to the department, the new culvert will be able to handle potential overflow during future floods.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overkill. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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