overall 1 of 2

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
Definition of overallnext
1
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole the overall view seems to be that we're doing fine economically

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in broad
relating to the main elements and not to specific details there's an overall similarity in the looks of the models for that chain of clothing stores

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people the overall mind-set among the people in our town seems to be that any increase in taxes is bad

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

overall

2 of 2

adverb

ˌō-vər-ˈȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
1
as in collectively
with everyone or everything taken into account at the same time reduce the budget overall by 15 percent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mostly
for the most part overall, this is a good speech, but it could use a little humor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of overall
Adjective
But Memphis police say overall crime and violent crime were falling in 2025 even before the National Guard deployment began. — Joel Rose, NPR, 5 July 2026 Ohtani, a three-time, two-way All-Star and six-time pick overall, is unlikely to pitch in the game because of a right biceps issue that will push his last prebreak start to next weekend, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Adverb
The gaming division within Microsoft just cut its workforce by 20% (Microsoft overall did 2% cuts). — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 6 July 2026 Last week, Seymour held KC hitless through six innings in a game at Tampa Bay — a contest in which the Royals had one hit overall, in the ninth inning. — Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overall
  1. general
  2. broad
  3. prevailing
  4. collectively
  5. mostly
  6. generic
  7. public
  8. generally
Adjective
  • Little’s lack of response to a possible return that offseason resulted in general manager Ned Colletti pursuing other options.
    — Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • While unions secured general salary increases last year to offset the salary reductions associated with the leave program, the agreements did not include similar increases in July 2026.
    — William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • Organizing the festival during wartime has given it a broader purpose, Isaienko said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Products with a broad range, such as beer, would benefit from multiple subcategories, ensuring that the production process is not prioritized over the alcoholic content.
    — Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.
    — Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of prevailing
Adverb
  • But the court also said the people facing deportation must pursue their cases individually where they are being held, under what are called habeas petitions, rather than collectively, under what is called a class action.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • After July 4, parents, guardians, grandparents and others can collectively contribute up to $5,000 a year in after-tax dollars up until the year before the beneficiary turns 18.
    — Jessica Dickler,Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 1 July 2026
Definition of collectively
Adverb
  • Plagued by criticism and scandal, it was eventually dissolved by Congress and replaced by a new commission that decided to mostly fund community celebrations.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • The jurors mostly determine the truth except when there is no truth, as with the nonexistent hot-dog contest or gift competition.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of mostly
Adjective
  • Mentioning a favorite weekend routine can tell others more than a collection of generic interests.
    — Matthew Kayser Updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
  • My recent research showed that choosing the right-size models for specific tasks—instead of the biggest, most generic models out there—can reduce the quantity of energy needed by a factor of 33.
    — Sasha Luccioni, Time, 3 July 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • At one point, Weist describes uncovering that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani maintained a fine-art photography practice while simultaneously waging a highly public censorship battle against the Brooklyn Museum.
    — Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Our real estate data comes from public records that have been registered and digitized by local county offices.
    — Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Definition of public
Adverb
  • Damaged or bruised portions of fruits and vegetables should be cut away, or the produce should be discarded, and produce should generally be refrigerated within two hours of purchase, per MCHD.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • Coop — who has been practicing his knots, learning how to drive the tender, and generally being attentive and curious about his new job — does wonderfully, which earns him some praise from the bosun.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of generally

Browse Nearby Words

overages
overall
overambitious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overall. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of overall for Spanish Speakers

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