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

Indeed, Rabe might just have the toughest job of all, and not because she is regularly called upon to joust (sometimes loudly) with performers as skilled and, to repeat, beloved as Louis-Dreyfus and Harris.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
Using that information to inform computer models, the scientists found that mosasaurs were skilled ambush predators built for a quick sneak attack.

— October 16, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

American technology therefore qualified for the Commission’s own sovereign cloud requirements through a European operating structure.

— Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Neither Sidney nor Patrick Gibson was qualified to operate it in those conditions.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

Is there a future for the kinds of musical deja vu the Avalanches are so adept at evoking?

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026
The august speakers included an Oxford don, a Harvard strategy professor, a New York Times reporter, and … me, the lone representative for the young and technologically adept, unencumbered by conventional wisdom.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

Twelve to eighteen months in, the board starts wondering why the organization’s performance has stalled—and why the new leader is not proficient in their new role, even if they were never properly evaluated or supported in their new duties.

— Christina Greenberg, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Nick Schmaltz scored his NHL-best fifth goal of the season, and the Utah Mammoth relied on their proficient power play to beat the New Jersey Devils 5-3 on Tuesday night.

— CBS News, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of proficient

Adjective

But can a single supplier, no matter how competent and experienced, possibly be relied upon to deliver such a critical part of both forces’ future warfighting capacity?

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
Abarno is a three-year starter who has passed for over 1,500 yards already this season and has a good connection with many of his experienced group of receivers.

— Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

But can a single supplier, no matter how competent and experienced, possibly be relied upon to deliver such a critical part of both forces’ future warfighting capacity?

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Oct. 2026
Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

The point in the piece about Saturday’s moves was that the Heat essentially have enough space under their hard cap to sign a single player to the veteran minimum.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
The bill was introduced over a year ago, and its primary backer was the late Lindsey Graham, a veteran Republican senator who represented South Carolina.

— Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of veteran

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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 24 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

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