1
as in to overcome
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
just the thought of how much work there is to do overwhelms me
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to engulf
to cover with a flood
that spring the massive runoff from melting snows overwhelmed the valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overwhelm
While the larger Mallorca sees nearly 2 million visitors every August, and Menorca just around 350,000 visitors, Molina estimates Mallorca could see a million tourists that week, potentially overwhelming the Sierra de Tramuntana's fragile mountain roads.
—
Ryan Craggs, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
This administration hasn't necessarily overwhelmed the health-care experts with good news.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
Island Park is spending $10 million to mitigate water contamination because high-use vacation rentals overwhelmed the small-scale septic systems originally installed for weekend cabins.
—Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Too Many Prints and Patterns While prints and patterns are a great way to bring personality into your space, having too many can visually overwhelm the space.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Ryan Craggs, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
This administration hasn't necessarily overwhelmed the health-care experts with good news.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
Island Park is spending $10 million to mitigate water contamination because high-use vacation rentals overwhelmed the small-scale septic systems originally installed for weekend cabins.
—Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 10 Feb. 2026
Too Many Prints and Patterns While prints and patterns are a great way to bring personality into your space, having too many can visually overwhelm the space.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
Verb
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Tian Feng, former dean of SenseTime’s Intelligence Industry Research Institute, revealed that the free provision of T800 robots will help smaller companies overcome research and development barriers.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
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The first obstacle to overcome is to develop a computer chip that works in the extreme conditions of space, which includes exposure to much higher levels of radiation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Speaking to journalists in Riyadh ahead of Prince William’s visit to Saudi Arabia later Monday, the spokesperson shared for the first time the couple’s view of the crisis that has engulfed the palace and UK parliament in recent weeks.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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When first responders arrived, the home was fully engulfed.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The synthetic opioid is far more potent than heroin and has devastated communities across the country.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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In Kristin Dwyer's In Time With You (out March 3 from Wednesday Books), that's the conundrum facing Nieve Monroe, who's devastated after her boyfriend Carter dies saving her from drowning.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Khanna said his office had been flooded with calls and emails as the mixed messaging left many local residents fearful.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Thousands of people and cars will undoubtedly flood the streets, but the self-driving car company has projected confidence.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Put fennel seeds in a small, self-sealing plastic bag, and crush with a rolling pin.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
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Advanced Micro Devices stock was getting crushed — down more than 16% despite a beat and raise.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Nevertheless, everyone can celebrate (or drown their sorrows) with some of the free and discounted offerings at these restaurants.—
Mike Snider,
AZCentral.com,
9 Feb. 2026
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Those videos, especially in the case of Alex Pretti’s shooting, drowned out both the slop and slick government productions.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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