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
Le Carré’s description of CIA-style abductions, where massed operatives overwhelm their target, bind his hands, and dress him in black goggles and headphones engineered to block all sight and sound of the outside world, derives from contemporary journalistic accounts.
—
Rav Grewal-Kök
june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025
The unexpected deluge overwhelmed local waterways and infrastructure and submerged vehicles in small towns east of the Ohio River, including in Triadelphia and Valley Grove, CBS affiliate WTRF reported.
—CBS News, 15 June 2025
Iran has so many that, even from 1,000 miles away, the numbers could overwhelm any interception systems.
—Karl Vick, Time, 13 June 2025
That’s because the body mists have a subtle scent that won’t overwhelm classmates or coworkers.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Rav Grewal-Kök
june 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025
The unexpected deluge overwhelmed local waterways and infrastructure and submerged vehicles in small towns east of the Ohio River, including in Triadelphia and Valley Grove, CBS affiliate WTRF reported.
—CBS News, 15 June 2025
Iran has so many that, even from 1,000 miles away, the numbers could overwhelm any interception systems.
—Karl Vick, Time, 13 June 2025
That’s because the body mists have a subtle scent that won’t overwhelm classmates or coworkers.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
Verb
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The Thunder overcame two Game 7s en route to the title, and they will now forever be called champions.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
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Advertisement Indiana tried its best to overcome heartbreak in Game 7: Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ star point guard who was playing with a calf strain in his right leg, suffered an achilles injury in the first quarter.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
23 June 2025
Verb
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As the week goes on, heat will expand into the Midwest and the Great Lakes area before engulfing the Northeast this weekend in what will be the region’s first prolonged heat wave.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
18 June 2025
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As Scott left the putting surface, Spaun tried to figure out how to attack a 187-yard approach shot from outside the ropes in the gallery and Burns stared at a ball that was engulfed by Oakmont’s thick rough about 10 yards ahead of him.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
14 June 2025
Verb
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While everyone gives the duo a standing ovation, Zoe and company are devastated, knowing the truth.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
20 June 2025
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Hannah is devastated and completely beside herself over the events that have transpired.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Verb
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The Times story became an immediate sensation, and similar stories flooded news sites everywhere.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 June 2025
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As new waves of detainees flooded into the facility over the last two weeks, the staffer said, the facility was chaotic and lacking basic supplies.—
Jenny Jarvie,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
Verb
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The Front Man crushes the uprising by killing Gi-hun's best friend Jung-bae, ending Squid Game Season 2 on a shocking cliffhanger.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
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Add garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring often, until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
24 June 2025
Verb
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The funeral service for a Metro Transit Police Department sergeant who drowned on Sunday in White Bear Lake will be Friday.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
25 June 2025
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Tragically, eight people drowned, while two were rescued by lifeguards, park rangers and nearby civilian boaters who rushed to help.—
Bethany Wales,
Sacbee.com,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
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