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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web There's always a wide variety of flavors, though Oreo is an overwhelming favorite. Ben Steele, Journal Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2023 The material is luxurious, classic and the fit is right on; relaxed and classic without being overwhelming. Halie Lesavage, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Feb. 2023 The scent has light rose overtones and is NOT overwhelming. Sam Peters, ELLE, 28 Feb. 2023 Su, who currently serves as deputy labor secretary, has emerged as the overwhelming favorite of organized labor, receiving endorsements from a variety of prominent Democrats. Jeff Stein, Washington Post, 24 Feb. 2023 The Dodgers, for the first time in a decade, back in the days when Frank McCourt nearly ran the organization into bankruptcy, may no longer be the overwhelming favorites to win the division. Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2023 Based on crowd reactions, Asuka should be the overwhelming favorite to win the women’s Elimination Chamber and challenge Bianca Belair at WrestleMania. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023 Yeoh’s co-star, Ke Huy Quan, is the overwhelming favorite to win the supporting actor Oscar, and some might think that’s sufficient reward for the film. Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2023 Every single City Council seat had an incumbent with the opportunity to seek another term — and most of them looked like overwhelming favorites for re-election. Gilbert Garcia, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overwhelming.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwhelming was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near overwhelming

Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwhelming. Accessed 27 Mar. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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