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 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 Learning from Jeff Bezos Blackburn, 57, is a little overqualified to be running the Tennis Channel, which generated sales last year of just $265 million. — Lucas Shaw, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026 Here are her best tips for ‘overqualified’ candidates on how to navigate the job process. — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overqualified

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overqualified

Adjective

The outlet reported that the character, who is a preteen in season 4 of Ted Lasso, has grown into a skilled soccer player — something Feely alluded to in an October 2025 interview with the Birmingham Parent.

— Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Data center investment offers an opportunity to expand the tax base, create high-wage skilled trades and technology jobs, and support broader infrastructure modernization.

— Ron Kitchens, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

After county planning officials issued a report stating construction wouldn’t impact the environment, Fish and Game countered, saying the report wasn’t thorough, and a qualified biologist will have to survey the site.

— Bay City News, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
Taking a few extra minutes to verify the quality of the work — and choosing a qualified contractor over simply the cheapest bid — can help prevent repeat breakdowns, unnecessary energy costs and larger repair bills later.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

As the below playstyle wheel shows, the 24-year-old is an active presence off the ball and relatively adept both at retaining possession and ball-carrying.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 31 July 2026
The team also found that residents in the Sardinian Blue Zone had higher levels of curiosity and receptiveness to new ideas in general, and were more adept at understanding and sharing their emotions.

— Refractor, Refractor, 27 July 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

This trend spans various sectors, not just tech, with employers increasingly seeking experienced workers.

— Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Rooney was open to advice from Shearer and others, but leaned in especially to appraisal and tips from experienced producers.

— Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

Brun’s social media posts during this time portray him more as a man in deep distress than a competent drug kingpin.

— Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Chevrolet includes its Super Cruise semi-automated driving system as an option for the Bolt, making this one of the least expensive vehicles offering genuinely competent hands-free highway driving.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

Both Kiggans and Luria come from military backgrounds, which could be a boost, given that the seat has a large veteran population due to nearby Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base.

— Sophia Mandt, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
Kelly is a veteran lobbyist whose client list has included former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan and other powerful names.

— Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of veteran

Adjective

The documentary will feature diverse expert opinions and a family exploring holistic alternatives to medication, aiming to provide crucial context for parents and professionals and prompt deeper questions about contemporary life's effects.

— Rick Ellis, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The trial will be held in federal court in Oakland, and will depend heavily on expert testimony from economists.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 31 July 2026

Definition of expert

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“Overqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overqualified. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

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