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
The rapid-fire induction into Hollywell’s home, indoors and outdoors, is overwhelming in a staggering way. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026 Like many national parks, Chiricahua is remote, and doesn't have an overwhelming amount of accommodation options nearby. — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
Republicans' ace in the hole While Democratic candidates dominate direct donations, Republicans are countering with overwhelming outside spending. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Morris says this shade adds drama and elegance without overwhelming the room, while also elevating the architecture. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 14 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
  • The overpowering sound of La Murga — a supporter group that also functions as a brass and bass rally band for the team — blared throughout Q2 Stadium.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond coffee, Gottsman said candidates should avoid other distractions or unprofessional impressions by putting away their phones, skipping overpowering fragrances, removing sunglasses from the tops of their heads and avoiding chewing gum.
    — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 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
  • The rapid-fire induction into Hollywell’s home, indoors and outdoors, is overwhelming in a staggering way.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • And Anthropic’s revenue growth has been staggering despite losses.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 21 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
  • In the brain, for example, elevated stress hormones can impair learning and memory by flooding the hippocampus with excitatory chemical signals.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • By holding water on the land, these peatlands not only reduce the risk of flooding downstream, but also buffer the landscape against drought, keeping soils moist and supporting nearby forests through dry spells.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • Either way, scientists anticipate finding traces of Mars on Phobos, making the samples an irresistible two-for-one that should help demystify planetary and moon formation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Either way, scientists anticipate finding traces of Mars on Phobos, making the samples an irresistible two-for-one that should help demystify planetary and moon formation, and perhaps even the recipe for life.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • Detection is no substitute for prevention, not when consequences are truly unacceptable.
    — Andrew Ginter, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The win won’t change what’s frankly been an unacceptable campaign for a program that was 18-1-4 just two seasons ago.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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