overwhelming 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of overwhelmingnext
1
as in overpowering

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2
as in crushing

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Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering

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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
Pettersson was assessed a two-minute minor, and the sense of frustration, that overwhelming burden of defeat, radiated from the Canucks centre on his way to the penalty box. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 For parents whose children are hospitalized, the uncertainty surrounding their recovery can be overwhelming. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
In contrast, Golden Week (which starts in early October) is Hong Kong's busiest travel period and sees an enormous amount of tour groups flock to the city, filling up shopping malls and overwhelming the main tourist attractions. — Lee Cobaj, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Oct. 2026 But the long gearing also has its benefits in fast driving, allowing full-throttle use without overwhelming the chassis or unsettling the rear end on corner exit. — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 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
  • Brown noted that, ideally, a high-proof spirit will have more complex flavors from the barrels it's aged in as opposed to an overpowering alcohol flavor.
    — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Peralta relied on his overpowering four-seamer throughout the series.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 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
  • Hatred toward minorities is not new in America, but the recent surge in hostility aimed at Indian Americans is staggering.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Republican billionaire Rick Jackson has poured more than $200 million of his personal fortune into Georgia’s race for governor, a staggering sum that has shattered state records but hasn’t given him a clear lead over Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of staggering
Verb
  • The earthquake comes less than two months after a border region of Nepal and Tibet was struck by devastating flash flooding that left hundreds of people dead and destroyed several communities.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been fighting since April 2023, devastating large parts of the country and threatening stability along its borders.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of devastating
Verb
  • Early Monday morning, the Gila River crested more than 2 feet higher than the level capable of flooding several homes and businesses on the north sides of Solomon, Safford and Thatcher, Arizona, according to the National Weather Service.
    — Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Benally said his parents, both in their 60s, have lived in the area all their lives and have never seen flooding this severe.
    — Christopher Weber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • That catnip cast makes the series immediately interesting, not to say irresistible.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • For a nation recovering from global conflict, the spectacle of two powerful women waging a cold war of words was irresistible.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • William James Middle received its fifth unacceptable rating in a row in the 2025-26 school year.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Not going for it on 4th down, and then settling for a field goal attempt with a 3 point lead is unacceptable!
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • The Padres are ridiculously hot, and the scene in San Diego was stupendous during the Wild Card Series.
    — The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Afternoon tea is likely to ease effortlessly into cocktails in the stupendous Palm Court.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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