1
as in to overcome
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to engulf
to cover with a flood
that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overwhelm
The gold swirls add a dimensional touch without overwhelming the entire look.
—
Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 28 May 2026
That excitement has overwhelmed the market’s judgment.
—Kevin Stankiewicz,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 27 May 2026
Expectations have overwhelmed previous coaches.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Companies generally charge fees of $19 to $99 per month, appealing to solo practitioners who are often overwhelmed by administrative tasks.
—Windsor Johnston, NPR, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 28 May 2026
That excitement has overwhelmed the market’s judgment.
—Kevin Stankiewicz,morgan Chittum, CNBC, 27 May 2026
Expectations have overwhelmed previous coaches.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Companies generally charge fees of $19 to $99 per month, appealing to solo practitioners who are often overwhelmed by administrative tasks.
—Windsor Johnston, NPR, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
Verb
-
Everyone has a personal obstacle, but not everyone can overcome and survive those obstacles.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
-
Over time, however, your pancreas may no longer be able to produce enough insulin to overcome insulin resistance.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
This has raised the risk of fires incurring heavy financial costs, and that of flare-ups engulfing people’s livelihoods.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
1 June 2026
-
Video released by the military on social media shows a small vessel floating in the ocean before it’s hit and engulfed in a fireball.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Horvath has faced issues in her district, which includes county areas devastated by the Palisades fire.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 June 2026
-
In the case of Tom Brandis, played by the singular Mark Ruffalo, a tragedy (matricide) has devastated his family unit.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
-
Oncologists are being flooded with requests as the special access program gets started.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
In mid-January, as Iran crushed wide-scale protests with the mass killing of demonstrators, Israel prepared a covert mission along the Azerbaijan-Iran border, two of the sources familiar with the plans told CNN.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
-
Wie West opened her round with a flourish, crushing her tee shot 293 yards down the left side.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Their hoots and hollers drowned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s explanation of how a title defense fell short.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office said the man drowned at the swimming area at Little Emily Lake Park.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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