overwhelm

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈ(h)welm How to pronounce overwhelm (audio)
Definition of overwhelmnext
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

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 overwhelm Many people also noted that the barrel shape is subtle, allowing anyone to wear the look without being overwhelmed by excess fabric. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026 Now’s your chance to snag a deal on this outdoor loveseat set that supplies extra seating but won’t overwhelm smaller spaces. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 July 2026 Goldstein was comatose and had been placed on a ventilator after pneumonia overwhelmed her lungs. — John Blake, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Nieuw Bergen presents an innovative and attractive approach to inner-city housing, demonstrating how housing developments can be introduced without overwhelming the character of an existing neighborhood. — Bridget Borgobello july 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
  1. overcome
  2. engulf
  3. devastate
  4. flood
  5. crush
  6. drown
Verb
  • After scoring in Mexico’s opening match against South Africa — his first goal at a World Cup — Jimenez was overcome with emotion on the pitch.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • To be able to feel and touch the community of Cologne, and this person who suffered that ordeal and overcame it — and then managed to carry out the courage of her convictions with Ukrainian refugees.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2026
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • Platner's withdrawal caps days of turmoil that had engulfed his campaign and intensifies pressure on Democratic leaders to quickly coalesce around an alternative candidate.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 July 2026
  • That raised concerns that the region could tip back into a war that would engulf several countries and could halt energy shipments through the strait that are crucial for the global economy.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of engulf
Verb
  • Of course, they’re devastated, and so is Clark, who is left with an ideal, a paragon of self-sacrifice, a superhero to remember and look up to, but not a friend.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • This all comes after reports that Lively was devastated not to get an invite to Swift’s wedding.
    — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026
Definition of devastate
Verb
  • The final show of Jay-Z's anniversary concert series at Yankee Stadium on Sunday was delayed for hours after hundreds of ticketless fans flooded the gates and breached security, according to officials.
    — Christina Fan, CBS News, 13 July 2026
  • Social media feeds are flooded with highlights and memes of the Norway striker, and fans can’t get enough.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 13 July 2026
Definition of flood
Verb
  • Collins crushed a home run to dead center to start the eighth inning and tie the game.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
  • Fans of Brazil, Colombia and Portugal also were crushed that their teams, expected to make deep runs, crashed out so early.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of crush
Verb
  • According to police, detectives determined that Roper and the juvenile were present when Erving drowned but failed to report the incident and later discarded some of his belongings.
    — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • The incident occurred on the Elk River in Noel, Missouri, at the beach of the Two Sons Campground, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol drowning report.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
Definition of drown

Browse Nearby Words

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overwhelm
overwhelmed
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Cite this Entry

“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overwhelm

Nglish: Translation of overwhelm for Spanish Speakers

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