OVERQUALIFIED Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

overqualified

adjective

Definition of overqualified

as in skilled

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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 overqualified Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound At this time in 2025, the Dodgers deployed the most overqualified opener of all time. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Others shared similar impressions of a cutthroat job market, in which a glut of overqualified candidates are competing for junior and mid-level software engineering jobs. — Joel Khalili, Wired News, 28 May 2026 Social media is rife with frustrated job seekers submitting hundreds of applications with no callbacks and overqualified candidates desperately throwing resumes at entry-level positions. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, overqualified singers like Ravyn Lenae, Mustafa, and Omar Apollo do some of the background vocal riffs that Harlow’s limited range won’t reach. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overqualified

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overqualified

Adjective

Broad, Mumtaz and plenty of others freshen up the rotation, something Sky Sports are quite skilled at doing having eased out older school figures like Ian Botham, David Gower and David Lloyd in recent years.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
America’s industrial sector is facing severe operational hurdles, driven by irregular supply chains and a shortage of skilled workers.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

The answer to our nation’s physician shortage crisis is to fully open the doors to residency for all qualified candidates, not to close the door on those who choose the osteopathic pathway.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
Condoleezza Rice Former Secretary of State Rice is simultaneously too qualified for this role and also a little out of left field.

— Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

The 22-year-old likes to get touch-tight to attackers but is an adept reader of the game too, knowing when to hang back.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
All this to say that London famously remains at once hospitable to the outsider and adept at keeping him or her on the surface.

— Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

About 86% of white students had proficient scores in CMS the last school year, while about 50% of Black students did the same.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
Los Angeles Chargers Coach Jim Harbaugh loves to establish the ground game, while offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has proven proficient at designing a rushing attack.

— Jeff Howe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of proficient

Adjective

Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore offer experienced depth while Darius Cooper continues the development curve on display this summer.

— Zach Berman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Participants included families, city staffers and experienced cyclists looking for something new.

— Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

Addressing this prolonged trade conflict, Washington political news outlet POLITICO brought together four veteran journalists specializing in US-Canada relations and trade policy to analyze potential future trajectories.

— , CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Thanks to a family member with plenty of expertise on the matter, veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams knows a tough task awaits the Seahawks.

— Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of veteran

Adjective

Being an experienced or even expert meditator didn’t necessarily protect people.

— Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
Learn when and how to harvest blanket flower seeds, along with expert tips for storing and sowing, to keep the blooms coming without having to make a trip to the garden center next season.

— Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of expert

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overprotective

overqualified

overran

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“Overqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overqualified. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

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