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
While some people still use garlic mustard in salads, soups, and pesto, the plant can quickly overwhelm forests and crowd out native species.
—
Breana Pitts, CBS News, 11 June 2026
If someone is overwhelmed by the heat, swiftly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
But the heavy turnout also appeared to overwhelm the entry operation, creating bottlenecks at the gates and forcing security and event staff to slow the flow of fans into the building.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
This metal bin is particularly useful for heavier toys like train tracks, magnetic tiles, and wooden blocks that can overwhelm softer fabric bins.
—Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Breana Pitts, CBS News, 11 June 2026
If someone is overwhelmed by the heat, swiftly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.
—Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
But the heavy turnout also appeared to overwhelm the entry operation, creating bottlenecks at the gates and forcing security and event staff to slow the flow of fans into the building.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
This metal bin is particularly useful for heavier toys like train tracks, magnetic tiles, and wooden blocks that can overwhelm softer fabric bins.
—Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
Verb
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The pair became friends, and Hasley went on to help write a book about Jenner’s philosophy on overcoming adversity in sports and life.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
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Macron and Merz had tried for months to salvage the project and overcome differences between Airbus and Dassault.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Verb
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The fire engulfed approximately 8,600 square feet of the cathedral’s roof before being extinguished by local firefighters.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
15 June 2026
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Emergency personnel learned from a caller that the plane was engulfed in flames and was in a field near the regional airport.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Verb
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While several of these positions are vacant to avoid layoffs, representatives said the reductions would nevertheless devastate public safety efforts.—
Reeti Malhotra
June 11,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
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The screwworm could devastate the nation’s cattle industry.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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The shooting came hours after thousands of Knicks fans flooded streets across Manhattan to celebrate the franchise's first NBA title since 1973.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
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Jubilant Knicks fans flooded the streets of New York Saturday night, crowding into intersections and climbing light poles and buses, to celebrate the team’s first NBA championship win in more than 50 years.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Inland Empire cities in the path of the notorious San Andreas fault haven’t ordered the retrofit or demolition of old brick buildings, which could rain debris capable of crushing pedestrians, cars and buses with deadly force onto sidewalks and streets during shaking.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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The largest eastern elk would have weighed up to a thousand pounds, and a stomp or kick from that powerful animal was fatal; the skulls of dogs and wolves would be crushed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Also keep in mind that blasting noise through your AirPods or speakers may drown out some very important other sounds — like approaching wildlife or mad rattlesnakes.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
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Skokie police said first responders began lifesaving measures at the scene, and the person who nearly drowned was stabilized at a local hospital.—
Dylan Olsen,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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