as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
the news so whelmed them that they were stunned into silence
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of whelm
You’ll definitely be whelmed by the legit chemistry between Kat and Patrick, rebel teens who steal the show with their sweetness and dazzling wits.
—
Angelique Jackson, Variety, 12 May 2023
Its reputation is built on the backs of 3-series gone by, as this is the first ever 3 to merely whelm us.
—Alexander Stoklosa, Car and Driver, 26 July 2017
Angelique Jackson, Variety, 12 May 2023
Its reputation is built on the backs of 3-series gone by, as this is the first ever 3 to merely whelm us.
—Alexander Stoklosa, Car and Driver, 26 July 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whelm
Verb
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Don’t be afraid to refuse additional tasks that could overwhelm you.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
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Given that the implementation of all this may overwhelm hospital waiting rooms and beds, overcrowd jails and prisons and require public housing, several questions arise.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Padres are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to overcome the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League west.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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The narrative that Apple is behind in AI has been looming over the company all year – and some analysts see it as a more challenging issue to overcome than tariffs.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Dozens of people remain missing after heavy flash flooding and a mudslide devastated a village in northern India, killing at least four people, local officials said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Aug. 2025
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Whether or not Congress cuts NIH’s budget, the Trump administration has devastated its ability to operate.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Whelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whelm. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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