overwhelming 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of overwhelmingnext
1
as in overpowering

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2
as in crushing

Related Words

Dissimilar Words
3
as in staggering

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

overwhelming

2 of 2

verb

present participle of overwhelm
1
as in devastating
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in flooding
to cover with a flood that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley

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 overwhelming
Adjective
Your personal life could feel crowded, unpredictable and emotionally overwhelming, Scorpio. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 The initial response was so overwhelming—and unexpected—that Budweiser did reconsider. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Verb
French oak contributes richness without overwhelming the fruit, allowing citrus, stone fruit and fresh acidity to remain at the forefront. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 This geometric rug adds visual interest without overwhelming your existing furniture and decor. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelming
  1. overpowering
  2. crushing
  3. staggering
  4. devastating
  5. flooding
  6. irresistible
  7. unacceptable
  8. stupendous
Adjective
  • Reliever Grant Taylor pitched two overpowering innings, striking out four while picking up the victory.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
  • The playful print isn’t too overpowering, yet it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and collect compliments) thanks to its flattering neckline and retro-inspired vibe.
    — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 25 June 2026
Definition of overpowering
Adjective
  • And that makes his collapse all the more crushing.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Even the laughs and smiles that Joe and Kate Keller issue are fleeting, a respite from the journey toward a more crushing reality.
    — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Definition of crushing
Adjective
  • Eighteenth-century Americans drank a staggering amount of alcohol compared to us today, so there are two important essentials for your party, both involving booze.
    — Brooke Barbier, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • During the construction of the Panama Canal, their steam shovels helped remove staggering quantities of earth, cutting a path between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
    — Malika Bowling, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Definition of staggering
Verb
  • The co-writer thing was a total disaster, devastating on every level.
    — Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • One week after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, relief efforts in South Florida continue at a steady pace.
    — Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of devastating
Verb
  • News of his death – one example of the political violence roiling America in recent years – quickly went global, with graphic videos flooding social media and politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemning the killing.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Bailey Allen After the fireworks ended there was a mass exodus of guests leaving the Esplanade and flooding the streets of downtown Boston.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of flooding
Adjective
  • This one-of-a-kind dessert combines the best parts of banana pudding and banana cake into one irresistible layered treat.
    — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
  • When a puzzle presents itself, the instinct to resolve it can become nearly irresistible.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of irresistible
Adjective
  • In their grievance letter, the detainees called the markups an unacceptable business practice with no apparent limit.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Overt racial prejudice, long considered socially unacceptable, is increasingly visible in public life, marking a shift from previously subtle forms.
    — Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of unacceptable
Adjective
  • Smith’s stupendous catch started an inning-ending double play Wednesday in Toronto helped preserve a tenuous two-run lead and secure that series win.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026
  • Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026
Definition of stupendous

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on overwhelming

Nglish: Translation of overwhelming for Spanish Speakers

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