overwhelming

adjective

over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈ(h)wel-miŋ 

: 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

The restaurant offers a menu that strikes the perfect balance of enough variety without being overwhelming. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025

The weather service also issued a flood advisory for Edwards and Real counties until 2:30 p.m., citing minor flooding in low-lying areas with poor drainage and water overwhelming roadways. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025

The Faculty Senate passed a second resolution concerning the selection of an interim president which passed by an overwhelming 44-3 margin. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

For too long, youth leaving foster care and those experiencing homelessness faced overwhelming barriers to stability — trauma, lack of family support and few housing options. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overwhelming

adjective

over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈhwel-miŋ 

-wel-

: great sense 4, extreme

an overwhelming response

overwhelmingly adverb