overwhelming

adjective

over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈ(h)wel-miŋ How to pronounce overwhelming (audio)
: tending or serving to overwhelm
overwhelming force
overwhelming evidence
also : extreme, great
overwhelming indifference
an overwhelming majority

Examples of overwhelming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This series seems increasingly overwhelming for the Warriors’ supporting cast, and increasingly heavy for their stars. Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 3 May 2025 It’s been so overwhelming and uplifting and magical. Ayan Artan, Vogue, 2 May 2025 The editing is exceptional, allowing moments of silence to ring with meaning and even laughter, while subtle glimmers of hope emerge in a subject matter that is often overwhelming and disheartening. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 May 2025 The overwhelming majority of the men that Brané and her team looked into had no criminal records. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for overwhelming

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwhelming was in 1567

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwhelming. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

overwhelming

adjective
over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈhwel-miŋ How to pronounce overwhelming (audio)
-wel-
: great sense 4, extreme
an overwhelming response
overwhelmingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on overwhelming

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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