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
There are also plenty of cognitively overwhelming tasks military leaders must tackle in which AI could be of help by identifying patterns or challenging assumptions. — Emelia S. Probasco, Foreign Affairs, 20 Aug. 2026 Based on the overwhelming outpouring of love for Jackie, there was obviously a beautiful side to her fame, Seidman said. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
But this year, the number and scale of foodborne illness outbreaks are overwhelming the system and disrupting the ability to respond. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Flames occasionally rise through the adjustable metal grate of the taquero’s grill, overwhelming the rib-eye, costillas and carne asada for pitch-perfect charring. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 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
  • Feller was 23 years old, perhaps the most overpowering pitcher in baseball and entering the prime of a Hall of Fame career.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Durians' overpowering smell is fragrant to those who love it and foul to those who don't.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 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
  • Her superpower had nothing to do with vampires and everything to do with her staggering talent.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 26 Aug. 2026
  • That figure is a staggering 279% over the average for non-Indy 500 races on Sundays.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of staggering
Verb
  • The ceremony concluded a nearly 20-year struggle that profoundly shaped the latter decades of Caper’s life—a trial marked by devastating grief, institutional rejection, deteriorating health, and extraordinary perseverance.
    — Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Major hurricanes can cause wind damage ranging from devastating to catastrophic and significant loss of life from their winds alone.
    — Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastating
Verb
  • But with so many inexperienced agents flooding the industry, finding one who’s actually good has become a game of roulette.
    — Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Too early to tell, but the Viceroy name will, no doubt, bring Americans, who are already flooding into Portugal for vacation and often, to settle.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • But outside of the irresistible title song, Parton did not sing in the film.
    — Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Dolly was simply irresistible to everyone, no matter their background or cultural prejudices.
    — David Kamp, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • Carney has called that demand unacceptable and a question of Canadian sovereignty.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Custard said, for the public, all this adds up to unacceptable risk.
    — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • The memoirs were a stupendous best-seller, 10,000 door-to-door canvassers selling 325,000 two-volume sets in 1886, earning the general’s widow and children as much as $15 million in today’s dollars.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Success, no matter how stupendous, harbors within it the seed of potential failure if taken for granted and not built upon.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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