1
as in to overcome
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to engulf
to cover with a flood
that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overwhelm
The Storm can overwhelm with size and second chances while the Valkyries counter by stretching the floor and turning possessions into a barrage of 3-point looks.
—
Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
The Derby sees more than its fair share of kitten heels, and this white strappy pair will give you a small lift without overwhelming the look.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The distillery’s pinnacle expression is the annual release of Remus Gatsby Reserve, a 15-year-old bourbon that is decadent and delicious, with equal parts sweetness, spice, and tannic oak that doesn’t overwhelm notes of fruit and black pepper.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Cluttering Surfaces and Walls Too many accessories, rugs, or decorative accents can quickly overwhelm a small bathroom.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
The Derby sees more than its fair share of kitten heels, and this white strappy pair will give you a small lift without overwhelming the look.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2026
The distillery’s pinnacle expression is the annual release of Remus Gatsby Reserve, a 15-year-old bourbon that is decadent and delicious, with equal parts sweetness, spice, and tannic oak that doesn’t overwhelm notes of fruit and black pepper.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Cluttering Surfaces and Walls Too many accessories, rugs, or decorative accents can quickly overwhelm a small bathroom.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
Verb
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How Disney’s founder, namesake, and first CEO overcame the crisis of his day may give D’Amaro a blueprint for his.—
Roland Betancourt,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
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But even more inspiring was their determination to overcome enormous losses and difficulties to try to make new lives for themselves.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But when the official entourage arrived, the 67-year-old great-grandmother immediately engulfed the queen in a bear hug.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
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Bell is a towering, top-heavy blocker who can engulf defenders with his initial movements and massive wingspan.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Experts feared that Asian economies — which imported 90% of the oil traversing through the Strait of Hormuz before the war — could be devastated by a prolonged disruption to Gulf crude production.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
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Other school committee members like Keegan are devastated by the current state of the budget.—
Kristina Rex,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Heavily armed Secret Service agents flooded the stage and a broad collection of law enforcement and National Guard descended on the hotel.—
Calvin Woodward,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Other guests at the event ducked under tables, and other armed agents flooded the room for protection.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If the underdog Hawks had any hopes of evening this first-round series and forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks crushed those dreams in a matter of minutes.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
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The Sabres played to their strengths early, using their speed and pressure to force turnovers — three of which led to first-period goals, which absolutely crushed Boston early.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Esa Lindell, Heiskanen’s primary partner, has been drowning at five-on-five, and the Stars have been outscored 5-0 with him on the ice.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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Some appear to be cordially greeting viewers with a wave, while others evince the desperation of a person drowning.—
Dawn Chan,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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