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 athlete at issue is older and likely more experienced, more skilled and stronger than an incoming freshman who would otherwise occupy the roster spot.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 July 2026
Unlike financial capital, skilled workers cannot be mobilized overnight in response to new policies or investment opportunities.

— Elena Bou, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

In that time, only Scheffler and Xander Schauffele – the last two Champion Golfers of the Year – have a better scoring average at the Open among qualified players than McIlroy does.

— Justin Ray, New York Times, 18 July 2026
The portion reserved for qualified institutional buyers was subscribed 140 times, with most of the bids coming from domestic institutional investors such as banks and insurance companies.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

Microbiologists who study the small organisms that live in Earth soil, Clark added, know that some species are extremely adept at using sulfate as an energy source, by combining it with organics or with hydrogen gas.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 20 July 2026
The 29-year-old Song is an infielder who can play all around the diamond and is an adept baserunner.

— Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

In 2018, 31% of students at PS 40Q in South Jamaica were proficient in English.

— Read Alliance, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
The International Criteria for ECG Interpretation in Athletes has reduced false-positive rates to approximately 3% when ECGs are interpreted by physicians proficient in these standards.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026

Definition of proficient

Adjective

Holst also believes with a combination of experienced winemakers pushing the industry to new heights and new producers helping define the region’s future, Oregon sparkling wine is entering an exciting chapter.

— Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 19 July 2026
He was paired with a more experienced colleague and learned through instruction and hands-on practice how to care for pines and azaleas, mainly using a hand-pruning technique essential for the Imperial Palace and villas.

— Hiroshige Yazawa Japan News, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

The judge will rule as early as August on whether Timaloa is competent to stand trial.

— Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
Animation Similar to Fresco, Procreate offers a competent tool (Animation Assist) for creating simple animations such as short loops and frame-by-frame or hand-sketched motion.

— Shelby Putnam Tupper, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

There is enough awareness among voters to appreciate the veteran thespian playing against type as this sage figure who plays a crucial part in the third act.

— Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 22 July 2026
And the Cavs are ready to win with a veteran difference-maker such as LeBron.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of veteran

Adjective

That’s where the money is these days, and only the most expert studio rats—say, Nine Inch Nails, Tame Impala, or Steely Dan—have been able to reverse-engineer careers into polished touring acts.

— Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings, see our full Horoscopes experience.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 10 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

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