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.
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Recent Examples of overwhelming
James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
While the incident has been overwhelming for the third-grader, friends and neighbors have been supportive and checking in on the child, Fox 4 reported.
—Ronn Blitzer , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
The attack involved summoning a flood of UDP packets with the goal of overwhelming the target server.
—PC Magazine, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Verb
The pacing is self directed too, and never overwhelming.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2025
While the incident has been overwhelming for the third-grader, friends and neighbors have been supportive and checking in on the child, Fox 4 reported.
—Ronn Blitzer , Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The goal is a home that feels warm and welcoming, with just enough personality to stand out—without overwhelming the block.
—Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025
The attack involved summoning a flood of UDP packets with the goal of overwhelming the target server.
—PC Magazine, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Verb
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From delivering disaster relief during devastating recent floods to investing in food banks, the business’ presence extends far beyond its checkout lines.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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While the negative human-health effects of smoke from the Glass Fire have been well documented, the toxic brown blanket covering the Napa Valley is also devastating bee populations, said local beekeeper John Sevigny.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Just two days before filming began in the northwest regional province of Santiago Rodriguez, a powerful storm swept through the Dominican Republic, flooding the ground floor of the production office and bringing much of Santo Domingo to a halt.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
8 Sep. 2025
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However, that did not stop Taylor Swift fans from flooding Tart's social media with stern reactions.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Etzel scored later on a wild pitch — but Tolle retired 15 straight batters after the leadoff hit to conclude his latest overpowering outing.—
Jon Vankin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
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While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Adrenaline seekers take a scenic helicopter ride up the Markarfljót canyon, which was carved out by glacier water and is up to a staggering 160 meters deep in parts.—
Mia Taylor,
Boston Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
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There are still a staggering number of records that have not been made public in the case.—
Julie K. Brown Miami Herald,
Arkansas Online,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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He was reminded that his career had been shaped by overcoming doubts and slights going back to high school, when he was offered the same amount of Division I football scholarships that were offered to the average sportswriter who covers him.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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But by the end, in its rush, the movie still hasn’t quite come up with a point of view on whether McCartney really got over his bust-up with Lennon with a little help from his Wings friends, or whether forming a band was ultimately incidental to overcoming any lingering separation anxiety.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On Friday, the debate shifted from online circles into public view, engulfing the sidewalk facing the mural.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
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As a producer, Turbo is most adept at creating cinematic beats capable of engulfing you in a world of his own creation.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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On the other hand, the Cracker Barrel debacle touched so many live wires of American politics that the story was simply irresistible.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
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The idea sticks because the prize, limitless energy from tabletop hardware, is irresistible, and suppression narratives explain away the lack of mainstream acceptance.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Unwavering loyalty Schrandt told ABC News that any deportations to Afghanistan are an unacceptable outcome.—
Chris Boccia,
ABC News,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Cosmetics are not the only place that regulators assessed an unacceptable level of risk.—
Keyaira Boone,
Essence,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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