overwhelmed 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of overwhelmednext
as in bewildered

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overwhelmed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of overwhelm
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
2
as in flooded
to cover with a flood that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley

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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 overwhelmed
Adjective
Whining is usually a sign that young children are tired, hungry, overwhelmed, or seeking attention. — Debby Waldman, Parents, 3 Aug. 2026 Jumbled, Irregular Layout In a small space, your eye gets overwhelmed when navigating multiple curves or lines. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
The Royals have been overwhelmed by injuries this summer, sure. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026 Also in the red zone, fourth-round rookie cornerback Devin Moore played sound defense on a fade ball for Lamb that fell to the turf after Moore overwhelmed the seven-year vet physically. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelmed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelmed
  1. bewildered
  2. devastated
  3. flooded
  4. staggered
  5. overcame
  6. engulfed
  7. stunned
  8. crushed
Adjective
  • One bewildered South African man said protesters had burst into his home and stolen the lunch from his plate.
    — Julie Bourdin, Christian Science Monitor, 28 July 2026
  • In a little corner of my mind, however, history will always mean the tragic smashing of individual lives by its cruel hands and the scattering of bewildered people reeling from its blows.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026
Definition of bewildered
Verb
  • The massacre devastated Wilmington’s flourishing Black middle class and sent a message of impunity to white vigilantes nationwide.
    — Namara Smith, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The Village, which survived the disaster even as much of the rest of the surrounding downtown commercial corridor was devastated, has undergone an extensive restoration.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastated
Verb
  • Upon hearing the news, East Germans flooded to the wall’s checkpoints, demanding to cross.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • By nearly every measure, President Claudia Sheinbaum is taking the fight to the cartels that have flooded America’s streets for decades.
    — Chris Shays, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of flooded
Adjective
  • This initial lock-up expiration is part of a staggered release, with more shares becoming tradable later.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That will be followed by staggered releases of about 7% of total shares at regular intervals through October, another unlock tied to the company's third-quarter earnings and a final release after 180 days.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of staggered
Verb
  • After two weeks, the zoo called off its rescue efforts, and the city (and some birders) cheered for the bird hero that overcame the odds.
    — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Against all odds, Flamengo overcame the multiple avian invasions to win the match 1-0.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of overcame
Verb
  • The Mazda was engulfed in flames, and all three vehicles were virtually destroyed.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Per the state police, the crash involved two passenger vehicles, one of which was fully engulfed in fire.
    — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of engulfed
Adjective
  • Motorcycle gunmen opened fire on Gastélum as stunned viewers watched online.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Rushdie, who was about to speak on writers’ safety, was slashed 15 times in front of a stunned audience.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Definition of stunned
Verb
  • The Mercedes owner, Roland Vergel De Dios, was in Queens visiting family when his car’s rear windshield and trunk were crushed by the falling tree.
    — Theodore Parisienne, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Rookie Chase DeLauter went 2-for-4 with three RBI, while Bailey crushed a home run in his 1-for-3 day at the plate.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of crushed

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Cite this Entry

“Overwhelmed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelmed. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of overwhelmed for Spanish Speakers

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