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
Relevance
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
1
as in overpowering
Related Words
2
as in crushing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering
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 overwhelming
Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2025
In Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood, 5 inches of rain fell in just 90 minutes, flooding streets and homes, overwhelming sewers and prompting emergency water rescues on the city’s West Side.
—Howard Learner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Some popular online sites might be difficult to access or overwhelming for some age groups to navigate, but a physical card for a physical store could be a better fit.
—Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Verb
Hype about Trader's Joe's tote bags led to $500 listings
The overwhelming hype led people to list the bags for as much as $500 on online marketplaces like Facebook and eBay.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 19 Aug. 2025
In Chicago’s Garfield Park neighborhood, 5 inches of rain fell in just 90 minutes, flooding streets and homes, overwhelming sewers and prompting emergency water rescues on the city’s West Side.
—Howard Learner, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
White corn is particularly popular among craft distilleries, as the mild flavor of its whiskeys allows other mash bill components, such as rye or barley, and the influence of barrel aging to shine without overwhelming the palate.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Some popular online sites might be difficult to access or overwhelming for some age groups to navigate, but a physical card for a physical store could be a better fit.
—Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Verb
-
The race is technically nonpartisan but has become a de facto partisan contest, with millions of dollars flooding in from billionaire donors and outside special interest groups.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Mar. 2025
-
And in so doing, that familiar feeling of hope and optimism has come flooding back for Bears fans, who just three months ago were again left downtrodden and dejected during an abysmal 10-game losing streak.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
F1s have been sold for staggering prices over the years with no signs of their values slowing down.—
Keenan Thompson,
Freep.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Globally, the medical cannabis market was valued at approximately €4.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach over €62 billion by 2030—recording a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 55%.—
Robert Hoban,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The story of Elvis’ rise and fall hasn’t faded from the public imagination, proving irresistible to filmmakers like Sofia Coppola and Baz Luhrmann.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Navigating a new promotion, an irresistible rebound, Marina still hot on her trail, her sister selling her family home and a copycat killer threatening to expose her, Rhiannon’s kill list is mounting.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In an interview, Pryor said the deputy's actions were unacceptable given the subject's age, regardless of how the series of events truly unfolded.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The critiques have only intensified with each year that passes since the team’s last Super Bowl victory in 1996, with Jones calling the drought unacceptable at the NFL owners meeting earlier this year.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Kayla McBride had 18 points on the strength of four triples, while Courtney Williams had 14 points, seven assists and five boards and Alanna Smith finished with eight points, nine rebounds, seven assists, four steals and three blocks while quarterbacking another stupendous defensive effort.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
10 Aug. 2025
-
In addition to stupendous views of the eclipse, guests can expect to enjoy fascinating culture, history, food and wine, along with insightful programming on eclipses and cosmic wonders curated by distinguished lecturer Dr. Alex Filippenko, professor of astronomy at UC Berkeley.—
Cassidy Randall,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The younger of the two, Bella, is unscathed; her sister had jumped into a pool to rescue her and ended up drowning herself.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner released its official report on Carter's death on April 18, 2023, attributing his cause of death to drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic form of brand-name Xanax.—
Johnny Dodd,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Although the condition itself isn’t typically painful, raw or blistered skin can lead to pain and swelling.7 Secondary skin infections—like if a blister is exposed to bacteria and gets infected—can also cause painful symptoms.—
Sarah Bradley,
Health,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Once tooth enamel is lost, the tooth nerves are exposed, which is painful and makes the teeth sensitive.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
After decades of battling brutal conditions in the Bering Sea, Hansen, 59, is now facing something even more formidable than icy waves — his own mortality.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Huntington Beach: The Oilers remain formidable with the return of All-County duo of Roxie Shaia and Taylor Savage at quarterback and wide receiver, respectively. 4.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share