1
as in devastated
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in flooded
to cover with a flood
that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in bewildered
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 overwhelmed
wendy Wisner, Parents, 16 June 2025
That’s a sign that Chism is more than just a spring darling who will get overwhelmed when the pads come on.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Campbell’s song archives are overflowing, which sometimes overwhelmed even Petty.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelmed
Verb
Experts share tips on what to buy, what to skip, and how to shop smart without feeling overwhelmed.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 16 June 2025
That’s a sign that Chism is more than just a spring darling who will get overwhelmed when the pads come on.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Adjective
Don’t get overwhelmed by the excitement.
—Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Campbell’s song archives are overflowing, which sometimes overwhelmed even Petty.
—Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelmed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelmed
Verb
-
While Walking to School Bus Stop Jordan’s dad, who wasn’t in the vehicle, is devastated.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Lewis witnessed school closures that critics said devastated the South and West sides.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Analytics and technology have flooded the sport.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Their main food source vanished after decades of pollution flooded the Lagoon — and the species’ most important home on the East Coast turned into a graveyard.—
Bethany Barnes,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
There were also problems connecting to the internet and to phone networks, leaving many bewildered and unable to obtain information.—
Catherine Porter,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Tornado is a bewildered Japanese girl (played by pop singer Kôki) who fights off a horde of white men, thieving gold vagabonds who represent both Anglo-Saxon and Anglo-Celtic ancestry.—
Armond White,
National Review,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
The runoff election marks yet another chapter in the country's struggle against a surge of violent crime that has engulfed cities in a country that was once a popular tourist destination and was left badly scarred by the pandemic.—
James LaPorta,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
When first responders arrived on the scene, both the plane and a vehicle were already fully engulfed in flames, which have since been extinguished, TMZ reported.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The energy in this race came from ordinary voters, many of whom feel that their voices have been drowned out by corporate donations, union influence, and political machines.—
Amy Reichert,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The noise has drowned out Africa’s challenges, which center on job creation and climate change.—
Ken Silverstein,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Later the trailer features a scene of the director shooting bemused members of an Indigenous community.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
19 June 2025
-
In the 10th game of the second set, Zverev was left bemused after a backhand from Davidovich Fokina was called in by the electronic line calling system.—
Matias Grez,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Rylee Arnold, 28, recently purchased a home in Salt Lake City and was pleasantly surprised when her seller offered to cover many of the closing costs.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
29 June 2025
-
That could lead forecasters to be surprised when a hurricane suddenly intensifies.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelmed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelmed. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share