1
as in teeming
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1
as in spilling
to flow over the brim or top of
while the wine steward stood there gawking at the nearby celebrity, my expensive champagne was overflowing its glass and pouring onto our table
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2
as in flooding
to cover with a flood
the swollen river overflowed the surrounding land and washed several houses away
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3
as in bursting
to be copiously supplied
a magazine that usually overflows with home-repair tips for the do-it-yourselfer
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overflowing
Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
And Zermatt itself also has pockets of traditional charm, with streets lined with chalet after chalet and overflowing flower boxes.
—Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
JPMorgan has even needed to lease additional space to facilitate staffers’ return, renting several floors in the former Credit Suisse office close to the US lender’s overflowing European headquarters.
—Jack Sidders, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025
So there Wilson went toward the overflowing Aces’ bench.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
The more unexpected takeaway was the show's graphic depiction of an overflowing toilet as the climax of the episode, which was set on Thanksgiving Day.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In the suburban village of Wauwatosa, an overflowing and fast-moving Menomonee River submerged a popular playground.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Despite the nostalgic West Virginia vibe, this Brentwood beauty is overflowing with California style.
—Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026
About the image of her driver’s side door, the pocket overflowing with kids’ toys.
—Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
Super Bowl Sunday will bring watch parties with overflowing snack tables and a familiar lineup of wings, chips and dip.
—Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
For a generation raised on viral clips of air‑rage fights and customer‑service meltdowns, the quiet order of a Japanese train car—no loud phone calls, no overflowing trash—reads almost like aspirational fiction.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Chicken spiedies, sub sandwiches overflowing with marinated and grilled protein, hail from Binghamton, New York.
—Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Feb. 2026
That pink fantasy extended into a room overflowing with candy and treats, where guests lingered for photo ops and at beauty stations to test the new fragrances and lip oils, reformulated and coming in 16 shades.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
Right Now Sam Edelman Butter Teddy Jacket Nordstrom’s sale section is overflowing with warm winter staples — a major blessing considering the freezing temps in New York City (and most of the country) this week.
—Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
One of Cash’s interests, carried over from Earth Angel, her 2023 debut book of short stories, is an overflowing index of animal references.
—Niela Orr, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026
And Zermatt itself also has pockets of traditional charm, with streets lined with chalet after chalet and overflowing flower boxes.
—Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
JPMorgan has even needed to lease additional space to facilitate staffers’ return, renting several floors in the former Credit Suisse office close to the US lender’s overflowing European headquarters.
—Jack Sidders, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025
So there Wilson went toward the overflowing Aces’ bench.
—Ben Pickman, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
The more unexpected takeaway was the show's graphic depiction of an overflowing toilet as the climax of the episode, which was set on Thanksgiving Day.
—Carson Blackwelder, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
In the suburban village of Wauwatosa, an overflowing and fast-moving Menomonee River submerged a popular playground.
—Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
Etronik Personal Travel Bag Best Fashion Deals From comfy clothing to supportive, packable footwear, Amazon’s early Presidents Day sale is overflowing with airport-ready essentials, starting at $13.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Despite the nostalgic West Virginia vibe, this Brentwood beauty is overflowing with California style.
—Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026
About the image of her driver’s side door, the pocket overflowing with kids’ toys.
—Literary Hub, 6 Feb. 2026
Super Bowl Sunday will bring watch parties with overflowing snack tables and a familiar lineup of wings, chips and dip.
—Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
For a generation raised on viral clips of air‑rage fights and customer‑service meltdowns, the quiet order of a Japanese train car—no loud phone calls, no overflowing trash—reads almost like aspirational fiction.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026
Chicken spiedies, sub sandwiches overflowing with marinated and grilled protein, hail from Binghamton, New York.
—Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Feb. 2026
That pink fantasy extended into a room overflowing with candy and treats, where guests lingered for photo ops and at beauty stations to test the new fragrances and lip oils, reformulated and coming in 16 shades.
—Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 4 Feb. 2026
Right Now Sam Edelman Butter Teddy Jacket Nordstrom’s sale section is overflowing with warm winter staples — a major blessing considering the freezing temps in New York City (and most of the country) this week.
—Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflowing
Adjective
-
For example, the robot can identify potential safety hazards, such as an unstable pallet or an overloaded shelf, and report them so the issues are addressed.—
Liam Rappleye,
USA Today,
31 Jan. 2026
-
For example, the robot can identify potential safety hazards, such as an unstable pallet or an overloaded shelf, and report them so the issues are addressed.—
Liam Rappleye,
Freep.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Joel Zlotnik, a spokesman for the Orange County Transportation Authority, which runs those Express Lanes, said the CHP, a fire department or Caltrans notifies his agency when an official diversion onto the Express Lanes occurs — think major collision or a tanker spilling its cargo.—
Jim Radcliffe,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The rivalry is also spilling into other realms, including the Super Bowl.—
Matt O’Brien,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But a drone had hit one of its salons, shattering a heating pipe and flooding the premises.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The first tournament of the 41st annual Snow Polo World Cup kicks off later today, and over 26,000 visitors are flooding into the Swiss resort town—nearly all of whom are taking the second rule of polo to heart.—
Jessica Sulima,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
After flooding and damage from bursting pipes worsened over the past week and a half at the troubled Concierge Apartments in Rocky Hill, town officials officially condemned 200 apartments in the massive complex Thursday afternoon.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Adding White to a young crop bursting in talent thanks to the likes of Ball, Miller and Knueppel only bolsters the Hornets’ chances to end the playoff drought.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Vying for a parking spot on a crowded city street after a snowstorm has long felt like going to battle, and now there's a harrowing twist.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
But a crowded Democratic field increases the chances that two Republicans and no Democrats make it past the June primary.—
Oren Oppenheim,
ABC News,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Whereas Apollo space suits were akin to wearing an inflated balloon that greatly hindered motion, the AxEMU is designed with flexible joints that give astronauts mobility to kneel, jog or even do the splits.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Haber said in these contracts, Coto agreed to pay inflated prices for services for the building, including cleaning, security and maintenance.—
Catherine Odom
February 5,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
To reduce ice crystal formation and freezer burn, use airtight packaging and avoid overfilling the freezer so air can circulate properly.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
-
As for the after-show, the highlight (other than Jawan overfilling his champagne glass) had to be Jeff listing all the idols and advantages that were played incorrectly or unnecessarily.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Proportional representation could also help with the deep political polarization engulfing the United States.—
Jennifer Lynn McCoy,
The Conversation,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Video shows billowing smoke coming from the roof, and flames are engulfing the building.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overflowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overflowing. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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