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

Arteta is clearly skilled at fostering a sense of togetherness and unity among the squad.

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Industrial bet Australia expects the broader AUKUS effort to create thousands of skilled jobs in South Australia.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

Statistics, Charts, and Graphs Kelly Phillips Erb Investment in qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) property has risen sharply since the program’s early years.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
During the pandemic, the Small Business Administration offered loans to qualified business that were suffering financial losses.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

MongoDB is more adept at handling larger troves of data versus its rival, and its system is easier to use for builders, per Bank of America.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
That came in 2014-15, in a year where the richest opportunistically pilfered a couple of less wealthy clubs who had shown themselves highly adept at scouting and youth development.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

The actor is a longtime fan of anime and manga and is also extremely proficient in martial arts.

— Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
In the Douglas County School District, the share of students proficient in language arts and math both trended upward, though only the math result reached significance.

— Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of proficient

Adjective

Silva asserted that most experienced creators who hone their focus on key brands and franchises know how to plug themselves in to the company’s priorities.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
That has included adding experienced players, creating opportunities for younger talent and making difficult decisions on players who no longer fit the organization’s longer term plans ahead of the trade deadline.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

Other negotiators described him as highly competent with a command of the details.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Starring opposite Steve Carell in a big-screen reboot of the 1960s TV series, Hathaway plays Agent 99, a highly competent superspy paired with… well, the admittedly less competent but extraordinarily lucky Maxwell Smart (Carell).

— Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

Whenever the veteran coach looked at game film, Scott always seemed to be there making a big throw or run.

— Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Among them, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand opted against taking what was effectively a demotion, with play-calling duties going to a more veteran coach (eventually, Frank Reich), and left, too.

— Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of veteran

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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

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