overwhelming 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of overwhelmingnext
1
as in overpowering

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2
as in crushing

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

overwhelming

2 of 2

verb

present participle of overwhelm
1
as in devastating
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 flooding
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 overwhelming
Adjective
Despite being little known across the pond, wine traditions in the region run deep and have survived despite nearly overwhelming odds. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 14 Aug. 2026 More than 14 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period in parts of Chiba, which sits east of Tokyo, overwhelming roads and railways during one of Japan's busiest holiday travel weeks. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
Rather than overwhelming your child with a long list of feelings, start with the basics. — Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026 Could Cape Verde turn its sudden global fame into tourism that benefits the islands without overwhelming the places already under pressure? — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
  1. overpowering
  2. crushing
  3. staggering
  4. devastating
  5. flooding
  6. irresistible
  7. unacceptable
  8. stupendous
Adjective
  • Durians' overpowering smell is fragrant to those who love it and foul to those who don't.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The candle has a fresh, citrussy scent, just like its name implies, that’s never too strong or overpowering, even as someone prone to headaches.
    — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026
Definition of overpowering
Adjective
  • And that makes his collapse all the more crushing.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Even the laughs and smiles that Joe and Kate Keller issue are fleeting, a respite from the journey toward a more crushing reality.
    — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Definition of crushing
Adjective
  • Though entirely virtual, the event raised a staggering $260,000.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The season earned a staggering 25 Emmy nominations earlier this summer, more than any other series—including one for Ball’s performance.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of staggering
Verb
  • Major hurricanes can cause wind damage ranging from devastating to catastrophic and significant loss of life from their winds alone.
    — Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Lionel Messi has donated €80,000 ($92,200) to the reconstruction efforts of Madrid’s Sierra Oeste region following devastating wildfires in the area.
    — Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastating
Verb
  • Cincinnati and Charleston are included in a more serious Level 3 of 4 threat of flooding rainfall Tuesday that stretches from eastern Indiana to central West Virginia.
    — Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • There is a reason why the super PACs and the billionaires are flooding Minnesota with all kinds of money.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • The sweet smell of rotting fruit is irresistible to fruit flies and draws them in through the funnel.
    — Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
  • These principles apply to the present case with irresistible force when the special conditions of the Queen’s surrender of her sovereignty are recalled.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • Still, only 28% of readers said that AI use is unacceptable in all of the circumstances presented by the survey.
    — Cameron Pugh, Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Intervene Intervene means several signals—or one sufficiently consequential event—indicate probable deterioration or unacceptable outcomes.
    — Gerald J. Leonard, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Success, no matter how stupendous, harbors within it the seed of potential failure if taken for granted and not built upon.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Or better yet, plunk down on one of the three beaches and soak up the stupendous view.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of stupendous

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overwhelming
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Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overwhelming

Nglish: Translation of overwhelming for Spanish Speakers

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