overcast

1 of 3

verb

over·​cast
overcast; overcasting
Synonyms of overcastnext

transitive verb

1
ˌō-vər-ˈkast How to pronounce overcast (audio) ˈō-vər-ˌkast How to pronounce overcast (audio) : darken, overshadow
2
ˈō-vər-ˌkast How to pronounce overcast (audio) : to sew (raw edges of a seam) with long slanting widely spaced stitches to prevent raveling

overcast

2 of 3

adjective

over·​cast ˈō-vər-ˌkast How to pronounce overcast (audio) ˌō-vər-ˈkast How to pronounce overcast (audio)
: clouded over
an overcast day

overcast

3 of 3

noun

over·​cast ˈō-vər-ˌkast How to pronounce overcast (audio)
: covering
especially : a covering of clouds over the sky

Synonyms of overcast

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Verb

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of overcast in a Sentence

Verb an impenetrable fog overcast our view of the harbor Adjective It was an overcast morning. They worked in overcast conditions.
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
In spring, when the weather can go from sunny to breezy and overcast by noon, the jacket’s high-neck shape can provide extra warmth. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026 Short term reversals shouldn’t overcast longer term progress, Reed added. — Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2024
Adjective
Already, the light felt brighter, even on an overcast day. — Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026 The skies are gloomy and overcast, fitting for a trip among the tombstones. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026
Noun
Sunday morning dawned with a high overcast. — Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026 Expect an overcast by night with light winds and the low being 24 degrees. — Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overcast

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1536, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overcast was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing overcast

Rhymes for overcast

See All Rhymes for overcast

Browse Nearby Words

overcarry
overcast
overcaster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

overcast

1 of 3 verb
over·​cast
overcast; overcasting
1
ˌō-vər-ˈkast, 
ˈō-vər-ˌkast
 : darken sense 1, overshadow
2
ˈō-vər-ˌkast
 : to sew with stitches that prevent the material at the edge of a seam from coming apart

overcast

2 of 3 adjective
over·​cast ˌō-vər-ˈkast How to pronounce overcast (audio)
ˌō-vər-ˈkast
: clouded over : gloomy
an overcast night

overcast

3 of 3 noun
over·​cast ˈō-vər-ˌkast How to pronounce overcast (audio)
: covering
especially : a covering of clouds over the sky

More from Merriam-Webster on overcast

Nglish: Translation of overcast for Spanish Speakers

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