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
Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
People come in with what could be blocked carotid arteries, peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, or infected sores that could seed sepsis, the overwhelming full-body infection.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 8 June 2026
Kristian Winfield, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2026
Starting with one or two from the list gives you flexibility without overwhelming your routine.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Adjective
Roc Nation initially announced two shows, but later added a third date in response to overwhelming demand after the first run of tickets sold out.
—Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
People come in with what could be blocked carotid arteries, peripheral artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, or infected sores that could seed sepsis, the overwhelming full-body infection.
—Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 8 June 2026
Verb
Now the Knicks are overwhelming a Cavaliers team that looks completely overmatched by the moment.
—Kristian Winfield, Sun Sentinel, 25 May 2026
Starting with one or two from the list gives you flexibility without overwhelming your routine.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Adjective
-
Coral is the ultimate summer manicure shade, striking the perfect balance between pink and orange for a look that's vibrant without feeling overpowering.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
12 June 2026
-
Baby wipes or non-scented lotion will also fix an overpowering scent.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
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
Adjective
-
The supporting drama categories remain the most crowded acting races, but still shows the long-term decline, which is staggering.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
12 June 2026
-
Rights advocates say Abu Safiya’s case underscores the opaque detention of at least 14 Gaza doctors in Israeli prisons, as the war’s staggering civilian toll fuels international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The British government refused to subsidize food prices or restrict exports of Irish agricultural goods, further devastating the island.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
The carp have already shifted Mississippi River ecosystems by crowding out native fish, devastating some areas.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Grounds are already saturated, so additional rainfall will lead to flooding in low-lying areas across parts of North Texas.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
-
Win or lose, the plays will be clipped incessantly, jammed into highlight reels or viral tweets, and B-roll of fans flooding the streets past subway stops adorned in Knicks colors and Timberlands will be plastered all over a thousand documentaries.—
Kyle Wagner,
New York Daily News,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Savannah is a favorite destination for its food, history, and, of course, irresistible Southern charm.—
Skye Sherman,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
-
Its bizarre, funny, and even charmingly unsettling ideas offer an irresistible sense of fun that exemplifies what can happen when bold creative vision meets thoughtful craftsmanship.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
The third strand of anti-vaccine advocacy, that compelling vaccine use is unacceptable, is a philosophical claim, not one of fact.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
There is, of course, Itaewon, which is historically more associated with foreigners and other outsiders, where all who are deemed unacceptable are accepted.—
Anton Hur,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
The best of what was the best of the Crillon has been thoughtfully preserved, while the best of what is new (the bar, the barbershop, L’Ecrin restaurant, and the stupendous suites by the late Karl Lagerfeld) is gobsmacking in its boldness and daring.—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
-
But once that stupendous on-screen chemistry between co-stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen kicks back in, the old magic shines through, strong as ever, giving us a fitting end to this beloved comic saga.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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