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
Relevance
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
1
as in overpowering
Related Words
2
as in crushing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of overwhelming
Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
The whole set for the hide and seek game is incredible, and feels so overwhelming.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 27 June 2025
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Some popular online sites might be difficult to access or overwhelming for some age groups to navigate, but a physical card for a physical store could be a better fit.
—Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Verb
For their father, the pain of losing two sons was overwhelming.
—Gawon Bae, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
The whole set for the hide and seek game is incredible, and feels so overwhelming.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 27 June 2025
Adjective
White corn is particularly popular among craft distilleries, as the mild flavor of its whiskeys allows other mash bill components, such as rye or barley, and the influence of barrel aging to shine without overwhelming the palate.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Some popular online sites might be difficult to access or overwhelming for some age groups to navigate, but a physical card for a physical store could be a better fit.
—Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
Verb
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The race is technically nonpartisan but has become a de facto partisan contest, with millions of dollars flooding in from billionaire donors and outside special interest groups.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
31 Mar. 2025
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And in so doing, that familiar feeling of hope and optimism has come flooding back for Bears fans, who just three months ago were again left downtrodden and dejected during an abysmal 10-game losing streak.—
Sean Hammond,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In Los Angeles County alone, a staggering 11.1 million tons of organic waste are sent to landfills each year—and food waste makes up about 21%.—
David Blekhman,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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At the center of the narrative are the two girls, who become women with interwoven lives marked by staggering violence, fierce loyalty, and heartbreaking betrayal.—
Mia Barzilay Freund,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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But behind the flashy banners and irresistible prices lies a fascinating story.—
Oyku Ilgar,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
-
There, you’ll be surrounded by vineyards and can take part in that irresistible harvest tradition: stomping the grapes, accompanied by traditional folk musicians.—
Mark Ellwood,
AFAR Media,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, an unacceptable state of affairs persists.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
26 June 2025
-
The latest version of a controversial bill that would require the sale of federal land to pay for tax cuts limits the scope of Bureau of Land Management property eligible for sale, but remains unacceptable to hunting, fishing, and conservation leaders.—
Andrew McKean,
Outdoor Life,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Once that's accomplished, though, the movie is a happy thrill ride, a string of stupendous (and stupendously silly) scenes in which the mutants go after the castaways.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
30 June 2025
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No amount of over-tourism, or depopulation, or high water — all of which plague this stupendous town — can change that.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Verb
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The younger of the two, Bella, is unscathed; her sister had jumped into a pool to rescue her and ended up drowning herself.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner released its official report on Carter's death on April 18, 2023, attributing his cause of death to drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam, the generic form of brand-name Xanax.—
Johnny Dodd,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Their venom, similar to a bee’s or wasp’s, results in a painful, itchy pustule or blister on the skin.—
Gareth McGrath,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
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Once Schaefer’s emotional moment was done, the rest of the conversations ranged from mildly awkward to borderline painful.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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But Martone is one of the very best prospects in this draft and gives the Flyers size, high-end skill (he’s got plus traits as a shooter, handler and playmaker), and a formidable one-two punch at right wing with Matvei Michkov.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
27 June 2025
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The actress portrayed formidable sensei Kim Da-Eun on the Netflix series that ended in February after six seasons.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelming. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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