OVERKILL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

overkill

noun

ˈō-vər-ˌkil

Definition of overkill

as in surplus

the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed the song already borders on the maudlin—the addition of a syrupy string accompaniment would just be overkill

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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 overkill So the vendor who calls out two or three of your requirements as overkill is showing you real experience. — Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Even better, there were no supply issues, seemingly no risk of depletion or overkill. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026 Mixing Small-Batch Recipes Sometimes a whisk isn’t quite enough, but hauling out a bulky mixer and all its attachments feels like overkill. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 17 July 2026 No amount of time-traveling expeditions to reboot or create alternate timelines can save it now, because it's been done to the point of overkill. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overkill

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overkill

Noun

The mayor also plans to declare a $520 million surplus in tax increment finance revenue.

— Chris Tye, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
The Treasury also reported Friday that September's monthly deficit came in at $27 billion, a reversal from the prior year, when the department saw a surplus of $198 billion in the month.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of surplus

Noun

The proportions remain practical, and the overall design avoids some of the visual excesses found elsewhere in the segment.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
The hotel interprets this mantra through balanced proportions, restrained interiors, and a hospitality approach that favors comfort over excess.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of excess

Noun

The ability to dam at least some of the daily overflow of misinformation and misrepresentation is one of the reasons for Pangram’s success and adoption, but Warner said that comes at a cost.

— T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
In August, supervisors in Pinal County, Arizona, voted down a large data center campus after so many residents turned up to object that the county opened five overflow rooms across three buildings.

— Adhum Carter Wolde-Lule, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of overflow

Browse Nearby Words

overjoyed

overkill

overkills

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“Overkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overkill. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overkill

noun

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