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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Recent Examples of overkill
But in Steyer’s case, his recent unrelenting attack ads against surging Becerra — now his chief campaign rival — are disturbing and seem like overkill.
—
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
Infectious disease experts said this plan was overkill because health departments already keep tabs on patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis using less onerous methods like regular phone calls.
—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
For most players, this piece of kit is likely overkill.
—
New Atlas,
23 May 2026
However, Origin may be overkill for beginners or anyone looking for a basic budgeting app with a minimal interface.
—
Amy Deyoung,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overkill
George Skelton,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
Infectious disease experts said this plan was overkill because health departments already keep tabs on patients with infectious diseases such as tuberculosis using less onerous methods like regular phone calls.
—
Brenda Goodman,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
For most players, this piece of kit is likely overkill.
—
New Atlas,
23 May 2026
However, Origin may be overkill for beginners or anyone looking for a basic budgeting app with a minimal interface.
—
Amy Deyoung,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overkill
Noun
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When energy demand is low and renewable energy supply is in surplus, the Nova Spin uses its electric motor to accelerate the steel rotor inside the unit.
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Instead, the Sharks got two defensemen who are not elite and a forward who might just be a surplus to immediate needs.
Noun
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Attems Sauvignon Blanc, Venezia Giulia IGT, $20 Attems offers a slightly riper, more generous introduction to Friulian sauvignon blanc, but never veers into tropical excess.
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Working with 5 to 6 pieces at a time, remove fish from batter, allowing excess to drip back into bowl, and add to hot oil, briefly dragging fish along surface of oil to prevent sticking.
Noun
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In addition to its regular offerings, Club Volo has been an overflow site for World Cup watch parties downtown and has watch parties planned for the July 11 quarterfinals and the July 19 final.
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Weeks after overflows from Atlanta’s sewer tunnels contributed to the deaths of thousands of fish on the Chattahoochee River, the city’s Department of Watershed Management says its investigating another fish kill on a different river.
Cite this Entry
“Overkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overkill. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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