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
Go Slow Adding compost or any other soil amendments should be done little by little to avoid overwhelming your garden or your plants.
—
Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 May 2026
That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
The cropped design doesn’t overwhelm your silhouette unlike trendy oversized options.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
That decision eventually overwhelmed the family’s finances, leading to foreclosure and bankruptcy.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 May 2026
That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
The cropped design doesn’t overwhelm your silhouette unlike trendy oversized options.
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
That decision eventually overwhelmed the family’s finances, leading to foreclosure and bankruptcy.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
Verb
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The project comes on the heels of filmmaker Nina Lee and Will Packer discussing the rarity of You, Me & Tuscany alongside the hardships and hurdles that Black romance films must overcome in the industry from conception to funding to box office.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
19 May 2026
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Despite the hurdles that must be overcome, many experts are pretty jazzed about the possibility of a lunar nuclear reactor.—
Robin George Andrews,
Scientific American,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Nine years after being engulfed in scandal, Eric’s rebranded nonprofit hosts an ever-expanding lineup of fundraisers, spending more than $500,000 a year.—
Dan Alexander,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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Aerial footage of the Sandy Fire showed a structure engulfed in flames.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
18 May 2026
Verb
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The trouble was that the British economy was fragile—most mortgages in the UK at the time had variable rates, so raising interest rates would devastate British homeowners.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
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Sarah Konwahahawi Herne was devastated.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
14 May 2026
Verb
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After all, Ngannou famously left the UFC after a bitter contract dispute, making his entrance as news alerts about McGregor flooded social media.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
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The name Gathright Dam pays tribute to Thomas Gathright, the man whose land the Jackson River flooded prior to the impoundment being built.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
16 May 2026
Verb
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So go crush a hearty meal at The Chef’s Hut this summer.—
Michael Deeds
Updated May 14,
Idaho Statesman,
14 May 2026
-
Ella Langley crushes internet troll.—
David Hookstead OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The Detroit fans who stuck around until the end of the game were drowned out by the bus loads of Cavaliers fans.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2026
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However, the actor does most of the heavy lifting, even as Nemes’ aesthetic approach drowns the frame in striking shadows — a contrast made deep and inviting by Mátyás Erdély’s 35mm photography.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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