underwhelm

Definition of underwhelmnext

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 underwhelm This is the survival math for a gubernatorial field that has been celebrated primarily for its ability to underwhelm. — Tracy Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2026 Minnesota United continues to underwhelm at Allianz Field. — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026 China’s emissions-reduction plan could also be announced any day but may underwhelm on ambition, climate sources said. — Simon Jessop, Reuters, 21 Sep. 2025 Yes, there are teams that constantly underwhelm, but the teams that remain talented and in purgatory hell might be worse off. — James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underwhelm
Verb
  • But even at its most explicit, in documentaries, political cinema acts as an antidote to the culture’s wearying vogue for escapism.
    — Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • But for two hours the film is just set-piece after set-piece, backed by a deafening score, which becomes rather wearying.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • After three to four days, the larva hatches and uses sharp mandibles to bore into the still-living tarantula.
    — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The machinery that collapsed was a drill rig, which was boring holes for the pilings to support the weight of the supertall skyscraper that will go up on the site.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But three weeks into their stay — Spain arrived in New Zealand well in advance of its first game, hoping to draw the sting from the jet lag — the place had started to pall.
    — Rory Smith, New York Times, 3 Aug. 2023
  • But after a time, the combination of abrasive, impenetrably shellacked characters and deliberately, hopelessly tangled shaggy-dog storytelling begins to pall, and viewers may wish for a simpler way in.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 7 Aug. 2022

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Cite this Entry

“Underwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underwhelm. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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