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
Indeed, after the pandemic—which initially decimated sales but then led to a surge in business that overwhelmed REI’s supply chain and operations—Artz made moves that angered many employees.
—
Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Both of these will amplify that creamy base and give you amped up staying power without overwhelming the floral heart.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
The end goal is to close the gap, at least marginally, with Oklahoma City — a heavy favorite to repeat thanks to its ability to overwhelm with defense.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2025
Growth should serve residents, not overwhelm them.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Both of these will amplify that creamy base and give you amped up staying power without overwhelming the floral heart.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
The end goal is to close the gap, at least marginally, with Oklahoma City — a heavy favorite to repeat thanks to its ability to overwhelm with defense.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2025
Growth should serve residents, not overwhelm them.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
Verb
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Kate Schneider and Caroline Handwerk each scored in the third quarter to separate from a halftime draw, finally overcoming a standout job from Bulldogs goalie Shealyn Murphy (15 saves).—
Tom Mulherin,
Boston Herald,
17 Oct. 2025
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The Cowboys’ defense has been so bad, not even elite quarterback play has been able to overcome it consistently.—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Israel’s self-defense policies risk engulfing the region in turmoil and harming the country’s stability.—
Yossi Shelley,
semafor.com,
13 Oct. 2025
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He then was engulfed by his teammates and shared a long embrace with Messi.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Though the large recall sent shockwaves through the EV space, many fans of the nameplate were left devastated because of its initial positive reception.—
Charles Singh,
Nashville Tennessean,
15 Oct. 2025
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Suspect arrest in deadly Palisades Fire The man accused of starting a fire that eventually became the deadly blaze that devastated the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles earlier this year has been indicted by a federal grand jury, the Justice Department announced Wednesday.—
Alex Stone,
ABC News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Several structures are flooded.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
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Bold hues are the name of the game, whether this means going for the kind of saturated, chili pepper–adjacent red that flooded the runways of labels like Ferragamo or embracing autumn’s fascination with all things deep purple, courtesy of an earrings pair that pays homage to the humble eggplant.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For years, Russian military forces were critical to Bashar al-Assad’s ability to crush the armed rebellion against his rule.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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Continue reading … JUSTICE COSTS – Virginia parents crush fundraising goal for trans locker room fight after judge ordered massive bond.—
,
FOXNews.com,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Amber Smith and her husband, Granger Smith, lived every parent’s worst nightmare in 2019 when their 3-year-old son, River, drowned in the family’s backyard pool.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
19 Oct. 2025
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The couple had three children, the eldest of whom — Rupert — drowned off the West African coast in 1986.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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