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
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
The goal is finding a sustainable rhythm where work and personal responsibilities can coexist without one consistently overwhelming the other. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 21 July 2026 Rich magenta heels and sculptural gold accessories bring enough contrast to make the entire look feel fashion-forward without overwhelming it. — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 20 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
  • While Barnes' final outing for the Dodgers proved costly, evaluators have long viewed him as a pitcher capable of providing organizational depth despite lacking overpowering velocity.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • Reliever Grant Taylor pitched two overpowering innings, striking out four while picking up the victory.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 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
  • The agreement envisions international forces, a technocratic Palestinian committee and years of decommissioning Hamas arsenals and tunnels, while Gaza’s shattered infrastructure and staggering civilian toll underscore the scale of rebuilding ahead.
    — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
  • That means even more bond issuance is on the way after an already staggering debt orgy.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 31 July 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
  • In one image, a young sitter with the Arabic word for ‘justice’ painted on her cheek gazes sensuously into the camera, while flooding the frame with wafts of smoke.
    — Michael-Oliver Harding, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • The break left a giant sinkhole on Sunset Boulevard and sent about 17 million gallons of water into surrounding neighborhoods, shuttering businesses, and flooding homes and underground parking.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • The Steamship Authority ferry to Martha’s Vineyard is around the corner, making day trips to the island feel almost irresistible.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026
  • Ultimately, Andrews finds the companionship of a dog both inspiring and irresistible.
    — Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • The episode has added to a growing chorus of concern among AI safety advocates, who argue that agents capable of independently identifying and exploiting unknown vulnerabilities across multiple companies’ infrastructure present an unacceptable risk.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • Conditional approval remains a possibility for firms demonstrating no unacceptable risks.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 29 July 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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Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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