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

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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
Organizations face unprecedented change, driven by AI and restructuring, overwhelming human capacity. — Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Owner Julie Clark, a Wittmayer daughter, put the focus on the overwhelming response of her family shop’s clientele. — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
Verb
Bold jewelry pieces are an especially effortless way to zhuzh up any outfit—they’re extra enough to make a statement, but never overwhelming for more casual ’fits. — India Roby, Glamour, 28 July 2026 Animal figurines, old postcards, miniature sculptures and other unexpected objects can add personality without overwhelming a room. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 25 July 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
  • Durians' overpowering smell is fragrant to those who love it and foul to those who don't.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The candle has a fresh, citrussy scent, just like its name implies, that’s never too strong or overpowering, even as someone prone to headaches.
    — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 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
  • When viewed through that lens, the ambition behind this project is staggering.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The human consequences of Putin’s latest imperialistic campaign are staggering.
    — Lidia Pilecky, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of staggering
Verb
  • The developments come at a challenging time for Sánchez, whose government has been consumed by the response to wildfires that have been devastating the country, including some of the largest on record.
    — Miguel Macias, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Examples of devastating grass fires include Los Angeles in 2025 and Hawaii in 2023.
    — Seth Borenstein, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of devastating
Verb
  • Digg shut down its Reddit competitor in March, citing an inability to control the volume of bots flooding the site.
    — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Heavy rains earlier this week swamped other areas of New York as well as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, flooding streets and leading to water rescues.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • For countries with limited budgets, that package could be irresistible.
    — Will Conaway, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This over-the-top frozen creation blends creamy tropical flavors with spice and irresistible texture in every bite.
    — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • The plan is to then gradually introduce louder sounds, Coen added, to discover the level at which a sonic boom noise goes from being acceptable to unacceptable.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Given the national security stakes, the prospect of foreign governments being able to suspend access to critical models at a whim started to feel like an unacceptable risk.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Or better yet, plunk down on one of the three beaches and soak up the stupendous view.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • The defense has been stupendous, especially from center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela.
    — Steve Buckley, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of stupendous

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overwhelming
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Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overwhelming

Nglish: Translation of overwhelming for Spanish Speakers

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