OVERBURDEN Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

overburden

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈbər-dᵊn

Definition of overburden

as in to overload

to fill or load to excess it is important that you bring on the hike plenty of food and water, but don't overburden your pack with unnecessary gear

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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 overburden Three midfielders did arrive, but there was an assumption Willock was going to leave, so that is part of the reason why Newcastle look overburdened in that area. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 In a letter opposing the permit for gas turbines at Colossus 1, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America warned that the project could add health risks in a region already overburdened with asthma and other respiratory problems. — Austyn Gaffney, Scientific American, 9 Sep. 2026 All of these projects can collectively overburden a business with compliance debt. — Keegan Crage, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The few places that can take kids like this are completely overburdened. — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overburden

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overburden

Verb

Residents can try to solve the problem with electric space heaters, but their widespread use could overload the already fragile grid.

— Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026
In late September, a similar vessel that was also overloaded capsized in the Mona Passage, killing three people.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of overload

Verb

The fuel was first loaded commercially in an American reactor in 2025, and this new factory is designed to transition the technology from single-plant deployment into wide commercial use.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
In Peabody, officials are expanding a program that uses cameras mounted on school buses to identify drivers who fail to stop when buses are loading or unloading students.

— Logan Hall, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of load

Verb

But many of the vehicles still lack the cash flow to pay interest and remain burdened with unprofitable public projects, S&P said.

— Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Supporters say restricting the program to new homes could spur construction; critics warn down payment debt could burden buyers.

— Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of burden

Browse Nearby Words

overbright

overburden

overburdened

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“Overburden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overburden. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overburden

verb

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