OVERLOAD Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

overload 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈlōd

Definition of overload

as in to load

to fill or load to excess try not to overload your backpack, or you could end up with back problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

overload

2 of 2

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 overload

Verb

No matter your hurry, overloading your washing machine will produce a headache of a different sort (and might even cost you more money). — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 This behavior reflects a generation that is deeply committed to their pets and has no trouble finding information about how to care for them but can be easily overloaded with conflicting information and a paradox of choices about what to do next. — Mita Malhotra, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

The best moments from Michael Carrick’s side in the first half were deep crosses to wide men Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo — with a defensive overload and height advantage, these suited Hull. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 What is backed by decades of data — and what Sims recommends — is a strength training routine that includes progressive overload. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overload

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overload

Verb

Better hygiene isn’t the only reason Bogoyavlenskiy and his team load silverware this way.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
After perfecting the design on their computer, Tiu loaded a drum of yellow ink into the printer.

— Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of load

Noun

The arrival of Stan Kroenke, whose sports empire includes the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Premier League’s Arsenal, among others, brings with it ballast.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
For most investors, bonds are a component of their accounts and usually (though not always) provide a ballast against stock volatility.

— Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of ballast

Noun

Orange County’s hotel tax is a 6-cent-per-dollar surcharge on hotel room and short-term rental stays, a lucrative funding source essentially dedicated to paying for tourism marketing and to building venues that create more tourism.

— Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
In 2019, Amazon quietly changed its auction rules to include an undisclosed surcharge that would have to be paid by the online brands and sellers advertising on the platform.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of surcharge

Verb

The O’Connell clan’s reach extended far beyond a little bribery and ballot stuffing.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Reviews do note that, due to the cushion stuffing being so full, a quick fluffing may be required after sitting for long periods of time, just to get the fill back to normal.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of stuff

Noun

Van Ertvelde said most of the field this weekend is running the full cooling package — ducts, fans, chiller and driver cooling shirt.

— Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Those states invested heavily in soundstages, developed skilled local crews, and created competitive incentive packages (up to 30 percent in Georgia and 40 percent in Louisiana).

— Sam Roseme, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of package

Noun

Someone picked up the shipment, but the beer never made it to Tucson, police said.

— Saleen Martin, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
The department had initially intercepted and inspected the shipment at the port based on a tip received by its counterfeit and piracy enforcement team, the department said in the release.

— Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of shipment

Browse Nearby Words

overlies

overload

overloaded

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overload.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overload. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overload

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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