1
as in overpowering
Related Words
Relevance
2
as in crushing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
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Recent Examples of overwhelming
Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026
With the foundation reestablished, shareholders then delivered overwhelming support for the 2025 CEO Performance Award, a structure tied exclusively to long-term value creation.
—Shane Goodwin, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Both of these will amplify that creamy base and give you amped up staying power without overwhelming the floral heart.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Adjective
Rebuilding is quieter than those films, more modest in its scope, as director Max Walker-Silverman continues to portray the American West as both beautiful and empty, overwhelming in ways both sublime and suffocating.
—Stephen M. Deusner, Pitchfork, 9 Jan. 2026
With the foundation reestablished, shareholders then delivered overwhelming support for the 2025 CEO Performance Award, a structure tied exclusively to long-term value creation.
—Shane Goodwin, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
The majority of active shelter licenses for transitional and rehabilitation homes in Jefferson County are located in the West End and around Old Louisville, frustrating residents who say the homes are overwhelming their neighborhoods.
—Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Both of these will amplify that creamy base and give you amped up staying power without overwhelming the floral heart.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Adjective
-
Vinegar is pretty overpowering, even to humans, so don’t overdo it.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Warm Vanilla Fine Fragrance Mist, $51 for seven Looking for a fragrance mist that’s warm, inviting, and sweet without being too overpowering?—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
27 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The congratulatory messages from the two ex-presidents, who are among the Democratic Party’s most popular national figures, appear to be a signal mainstream Democratic heavyweights are warming up to Mamdani as the party continues to regroup following staggering losses nationally in 2024.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
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In all three, Russian forces edged forward over several months at staggering human cost despite a resolute Ukrainian defense, according to figures released by Kyiv.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Scenario two is that Harbaugh is leveraging the Giants’ rabid interest but ultimately could take a different job, devastating this desperate fan base.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Rubella, also called German measles, is mild in children but devastating to fetuses, causing deafness, heart defects and intellectual disabilities when pregnant women are infected.—
Jake Scott,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Beijing will keep trying to export its way out, flooding global markets—an approach that most trading partners may absorb this year but won’t tolerate forever.—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
-
An old rusted pipe had burst in an area where many people lived in makeshift homes; water gushed out, flooding their homes.—
Saumya Roy,
The Dial,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Like the vast, uncaring jungle in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, the Tyranids are an irresistible force that seeks to surround and destroy humanity through the weight of pure biological necessity.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Known for their high-energy performances and irresistible grooves, April and the Funk Junkies have become a San Diego favorite, filling dance floors with their mix of funk, soul, pop, and rock classics.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Not making payments to them for even another day is simply unacceptable.—
Katherine Faulders,
ABC News,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Hufanga deemed that first-quarter Jeanty touchdown unacceptable because any touchdown is unacceptable at this point to Denver’s defense.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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In the box score, Robinson’s day was stupendous with 195 yards on 22 carries as well as five catches for 34 yards and his two touchdowns.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Dec. 2025
-
Steier’s clear writing and stupendous graphics from Sara Chodosh and Taylor Maggiacomo illuminate how vaccine critics and Kennedy allies David and Mark Geier have relied on a web of shoddy science — and gives readers tools for how to not fall for the anti-vaccine playbook.—
STAT Staff,
STAT,
29 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
DiMarco’s participation became a highlight of the event, with the student asking thoughtful questions about overcoming imposter syndrome and handling rejection.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
-
And that religion, like music, can carry the sound of struggle – but also the hope of one day overcoming the injustices and inequalities of everyday life.—
Ken Chitwood,
The Conversation,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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