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
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Despite the proliferation of productivity tools, performance frameworks, and time management hacks, many leaders still end their days feeling overwhelmed and mentally spent.
—Por Amy Brann, Harvard Business Review, 16 Oct. 2025
Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
The rushing attack that has overwhelmed opposing defenses and led Missouri to a 5-0 start was rendered a shell of itself.
—Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelmed
Verb
When Janney and Whitford, playing the new president of the United States and her husband, appear onscreen together for the first time, the camera lingers on their embrace and Janney’s overwhelmed, relieved expression.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Despite the proliferation of productivity tools, performance frameworks, and time management hacks, many leaders still end their days feeling overwhelmed and mentally spent.
—Por Amy Brann, Harvard Business Review, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
After the October 7 attacks, Israeli first responders were overwhelmed by the number of bodies found across multiple attack sites.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
The rushing attack that has overwhelmed opposing defenses and led Missouri to a 5-0 start was rendered a shell of itself.
—Chase Gemes, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelmed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelmed
Verb
-
Residents of Kingston, Jamaica, were already dealing with floodwaters on Friday, as concerns are growing that the impact could be the worst since Hurricane Gilbert devastated the island in 1988.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
25 Oct. 2025
-
This happened when Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina last year.—
Chris Dolce,
CNN Money,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the recent past, Japanese companies like Toyota and Sony had flooded America’s market with high quality but inexpensive cars and electronics, harming the business of great American brands, including General Motors and RCA.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
-
In 1700, for example, the Dutch flooded part of West Africa with perhaps as much as 40 million pounds of gunpowder, enough for well over half a billion musket shots; the world population at the time may have been as low as 600 million people.—
Clifton Crais,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Small wonder the performers emerged bewildered.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
How Tielemans overcame early toils is often used as a source of encouragement by new additions who seem peripheral at first.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Bernal says Mamdani overcame Cuomo's attacks over his relatively thin resume by offering big progressive ideas, like freezing apartment rents and offering free city bus service, that appeal to many young voters.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Following the game, a sea of smiles engulfed the visitors locker room.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Vance aims to succeed in the latest chapter of a conflict that has engulfed previous American administrations.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Choose a variety for staggered blooming and vibrant spring color.—
Alice Cason,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
-
In theory, Slot’s tactical out-of-possession shuffle to a staggered 4-3-3 should help Liverpool to defend on their right flank, but the ease with which Chelsea exploited the space was a culmination of weeks of warning signs.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
At one point in the third quarter, Daniels scrambled against a blitz, stopped to throw, then retreated again 14 yards behind the line of scrimmage and completed a pass while getting crushed to the ground.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The second quarter crushed the Celtics.—
Jay King,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The ghost of a Cloyd brother's daughter who fell from a horse and drowned in a stream is said to make her presence known.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Sergeant Anna Barbosa said Hennigan is believed to have drowned.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelmed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelmed. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share