overwhelming 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of overwhelmingnext
1
as in overpowering

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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
Prosecutors had argued prior to Oliver's testimony Friday that the evidence is already overwhelming and devastating for the defense. — Bethany Brown, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026 The shift reflects the harsh reality of major earthquakes, where the overwhelming majority of rescues occur during the first several days after a collapse. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Verb
This geometric rug adds visual interest without overwhelming your existing furniture and decor. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 Use plants with similar sun and soil needs to complement dahlias without overwhelming them. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 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
  • Reliever Grant Taylor pitched two overpowering innings, striking out four while picking up the victory.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • The playful print isn’t too overpowering, yet it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and collect compliments) thanks to its flattering neckline and retro-inspired vibe.
    — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 25 June 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
  • France could probably field a B and C team that would reach the quarterfinals, their depth is so staggering.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • China’s domestic car sales may have fallen a staggering 26% compared to June of last year, but its exports are up 80%—a total of 905,000 cars.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 9 July 2026
Definition of staggering
Verb
  • Rescue efforts were still underway nearly two weeks after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast less than a minute apart on June 24, trapping hundreds beneath rubble.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The co-writer thing was a total disaster, devastating on every level.
    — Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of devastating
Verb
  • Due to flooding risks heightened by the Claremont Fire’s burn scar, the National Weather Service is closely monitoring conditions of the Freestone Creek Basin near the Military Reserve.
    — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026
  • Despite the copious downpour that led to flooding across many parts of the country in the last two weeks, India still faces the prospect of a deficient monsoon this year.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 13 July 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • Molière’s irresistible comedy of trickery and mayhem is a dazzling new adaptation by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell — reimagined for today’s audiences with fresh American flair and nonstop physical comedy, according to a news release.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • New film Objet a revolves around Ingeborg and Adam, visionary hand surgeons bound by love, control and irresistible fixations.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • Democrats have called it an unacceptable gift from a foreign government that is barred by the Constitution, as what is called an emolument.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Should England go on to win their quarterfinal or entire tournament, their run will be tainted by this scandal, forever laden with an asterisk over this unacceptable atrocity.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes.
    — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026
  • The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox.
    — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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