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

Analyzing a potential legal challenge The prospect of a trans woman who is skilled enough at basketball to play in the WNBA and who seeks employment in the WNBA is uncertain and, for now, speculative.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026
PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer found that AI-skilled workers earned a 56% average wage premium in 2024 and that required skills are changing 66% faster in roles most exposed to AI.

— Daniel Gumucio, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

Bishop Moore as qualified for the playoffs in 18 consecutive seasons.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
According to Baseball Savant, out of 60 qualified receivers, Garver ranks 49th in Catcher Framing Runs and 52nd in Shadow Strike% this season.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

Cars are becoming more soundproof Today’s drivers aren’t hearing sirens, law enforcement agencies contend, because modern vehicles are adept at noise-blocking.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Water starts rapidly flooding the house, with a creature swimming through, clearly adept at moving underwater as had been predicted.

— William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

According to the district's website, only 8% of sixth through eighth graders are proficient in math.

— Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
In 2024, the National Assessment of Educational Performance reported that 33% of fourth-graders read below basic, 28% at basic and only 39% at proficient or advanced levels.

— Jose Cruz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of proficient

Adjective

Chapman, Willy Adames and Rafael Devers are the experienced position players on a team now fully undergoing a youth movement that was launched when president of baseball operations Buster Posey hit the reset button at the trade deadline.

— Devin Bradshaw, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2026
Hotels are also likely to feel the pain of losing experienced workers, said Wendi Walsh, secretary-treasurer of Unite Here - Local 365, a union that represents hotel and airport workers.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

Political consultant David Brown is competent enough to make up his own mind to choose to be on Soffer’s team or not.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
This difference of faith in the capabilities of competent government versus private entities has provided the space for the DSA to become more popular.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

The Mets went from having a deep group of veteran relievers with high-leverage experience to a back-end group largely made up of journeyman arms.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Dodson has provided solid veteran leadership over the past two seasons as the green-dot guy for then-Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of veteran

Adjective

However, the Migration follows rain and grass, not a fixed calendar, which is why expert planning is essential.

— Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Ahead, Vogue’s definitive guide to the best perfumes for women, along with expert tips on finding the perfect scent that feels uniquely yours.

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of expert

Browse Nearby Words

overprotective

overqualified

overran

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“Overqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overqualified. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

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