overburden

1 of 2

verb

over·​bur·​den ˌō-vər-ˈbər-dᵊn How to pronounce overburden (audio)
overburdened; overburdening; overburdens
Synonyms of overburdennext

transitive verb

: to place an excessive burden on

overburden

2 of 2

noun

over·​bur·​den ˈō-vər-ˌbər-dᵊn How to pronounce overburden (audio)
: material overlying a deposit of useful geologic materials or bedrock

Synonyms of overburden

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Verb

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Examples of overburden in a Sentence

Verb She overburdened me with work. Why overburden yourself when people are offering to help?
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.
Verb
At times, the accumulation of events threatens to overburden the play. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026 The plan is to have four high-quality wide options, so Iraola is able to rotate and not overburden players physically. — James Pearce, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
Keep in mind, the whole purpose of this was to relieve students of the overburden of exams and let teachers teach. — Kristen M. Clark, miamiherald, 3 May 2017 This allows for additional overburden in the form of rock, soil or concrete. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overburden

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1532, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1821, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overburden was in 1532

Rhymes for overburden

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Browse Nearby Words

overbulky
overburden
overburdeningly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overburden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overburden. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overburden

Nglish: Translation of overburden for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overburden

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