overwhelming 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of overwhelmingnext
1
as in overpowering

Related Words

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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
Living with the uncertainty about what the future might hold was exciting, overwhelming, an intellectual challenge as well as an emotional one. — Annie Karni, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026 New routines feel less overwhelming when kids have already rehearsed them in low-stakes settings. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
This was often seen as a proxy for player skill, as more advanced players could better handle the cognitive rush of commanding dozens of units across multiple fronts, presumably leading to more effective play, eventually overwhelming the opponent. — Nnamdi Iregbulem, Fortune, 29 July 2026 Bold jewelry pieces are an especially effortless way to zhuzh up any outfit—they’re extra enough to make a statement, but never overwhelming for more casual ’fits. — India Roby, Glamour, 28 July 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
  • When viewed through that lens, the ambition behind this project is staggering.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The human consequences of Putin’s latest imperialistic campaign are staggering.
    — Lidia Pilecky, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of staggering
Verb
  • 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
  • Authorities in Washington have arrested a man for arson in connection with one of the major wildfires devastating the eastern part of the state, which has destroyed hundreds of homes and forced tens of thousands to flee.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 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
  • For countries with limited budgets, that package could be irresistible.
    — Will Conaway, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This over-the-top frozen creation blends creamy tropical flavors with spice and irresistible texture in every bite.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • The plan is to then gradually introduce louder sounds, Coen added, to discover the level at which a sonic boom noise goes from being acceptable to unacceptable.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Given the national security stakes, the prospect of foreign governments being able to suspend access to critical models at a whim started to feel like an unacceptable risk.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 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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Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of overwhelming for Spanish Speakers

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