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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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

Any business can be people-owned and operated, with surplus revenue going back to the customers and employees instead of to shareholders.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Menswear publications also began spotlighting military surplus liners as standalone jackets rather than removable insulation, and the style eventually expanded into designer collections and shopping guides.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of surplus

Noun

The DynaTAC quickly became an emblem of 1980s ambition and excess, a communications device that doubled as a badge of executive clout.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Grease an 8-inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper and flour the pan, tapping out the excess.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of excess

Noun

The combined sewage-overflow tanks that are supposed to divert sewage from running into the canal won’t be complete until 2029 — a seven-year delay that might require parts of the canal to be re-dredged again to remove the contamination.

— Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026
These tunnels will be designed to capture that overflow and serve as massive holding tanks, with the wastewater gradually being treated at ALCOSAN's treatment plant as capacity becomes available.

— Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 7 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overkill

noun

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