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

It was later revealed that the plane had been overloaded by 700 pounds and the pilot, who had cocaine and alcohol in his system, was not authorized to be flying, according to CBS. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Avoid overloading the washing machine so the fabric has adequate room to rinse thoroughly. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Noun

Japanese noise-rock freaks Melt-Banana specialize in sensory overload. — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 While lentils are generally safe for most healthy adults to consume, consider adding this food to your diet gradually to avoid a sudden fiber overload, which can lead to digestive side effects such as gas and bloating. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overload

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overload

Verb

On Monday, six supertankers loaded 12 million barrels at Saudi terminals on the Persian Gulf, according to shipping data company Kpler.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
On a Saturday in late September 2025, the 40-year-old mother of four was loading crates of grapes onto a forklift in a Fresno County field.

— Robert J. Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of load

Noun

News outlets want access restored Previous judicial rulings appear to offer ballast to CNN, MSNOW and Politico's legal argument.

— David Folkenflik, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
No 'immediate' return to 60/40 In addition to income, bonds may also provide ballast in broader portfolio.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 17 Sep. 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

Perhaps the good vibes Gay has been sending will translate into a big performance Sunday at San Francisco, when the Dolphins’ defense might need some run-stuffing skills against 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
Poblano peppers are charred and peeled, then stuffed with picadillo, a mix of ground beef, spices, nuts and seasonal fruits such as pears and apples.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of stuff

Noun

There's a game room with vintage arcade games and a pool table, a kids room package with a tent and foam twin mattress, a dog-friendly pet package, and a nightly s'mores hour.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
The customized coupe features a T-top roof, aggressive aero body kit, and a graphics package that could have appeared in the original The Fast and the Furious.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of package

Noun

Prior to his capture this year, Sebastian Marset was reputed to be one of the world’s most prolific drug traffickers, allegedly sending mountains of cocaine — 10 tons or more per shipment — from South America to Europe.

— Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Politico first reported last week that the F-35 parts shipment bound for the United States for repairs were rerouted in transit from Australia this summer, citing three people familiar with the matter.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of shipment

Noun

Bricks of cocaine and bales of marijuana washing up in the Florida Keys or being found out at sea is a lot more common than people may think.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026
Overdone themes like hay bales and plastic pumpkins can feel staged, so opt for simple, thoughtful design elements.

— Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of bale

Browse Nearby Words

overlies

overload

overloaded

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Style

“Overload.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overload. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overload

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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