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

Related Words

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
And the overwhelming majority — nearly 80 percent — smoke it. — Sarah Klein, Washington Post, 3 July 2026 Parliament passed the initial legislation with overwhelming support in 2024. — ABC News, 3 July 2026
Verb
This geometric rug adds visual interest without overwhelming your existing furniture and decor. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 Use plants with similar sun and soil needs to complement dahlias without overwhelming them. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 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
  • Reliever Grant Taylor pitched two overpowering innings, striking out four while picking up the victory.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • The playful print isn’t too overpowering, yet it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and collect compliments) thanks to its flattering neckline and retro-inspired vibe.
    — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 25 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
  • France could probably field a B and C team that would reach the quarterfinals, their depth is so staggering.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • China’s domestic car sales may have fallen a staggering 26% compared to June of last year, but its exports are up 80%—a total of 905,000 cars.
    — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 9 July 2026
Definition of staggering
Verb
  • The co-writer thing was a total disaster, devastating on every level.
    — Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • One week after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, relief efforts in South Florida continue at a steady pace.
    — Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of devastating
Verb
  • News of his death – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years – quickly went global, with graphic videos flooding social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemning the killing.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Bailey Allen After the fireworks ended there was a mass exodus of guests leaving the Esplanade and flooding the streets of downtown Boston.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • Molière’s irresistible comedy of trickery and mayhem is a dazzling new adaptation by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell — reimagined for today’s audiences with fresh American flair and nonstop physical comedy, according to a news release.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • New film Objet a revolves around Ingeborg and Adam, visionary hand surgeons bound by love, control and irresistible fixations.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • Democrats have called it an unacceptable gift from a foreign government that is barred by the Constitution, as what is called an emolument.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • Should England go on to win their quarterfinal or entire tournament, their run will be tainted by this scandal, forever laden with an asterisk over this unacceptable atrocity.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Smith’s stupendous catch started an inning-ending double play Wednesday in Toronto helped preserve a tenuous two-run lead and secure that series win.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 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 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overwhelming

Nglish: Translation of overwhelming for Spanish Speakers

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