OVERLOAD Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

overload 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈlōd

Definition of overload

as in to load

to fill or load to excess try not to overload your backpack, or you could end up with back problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

overload

2 of 2

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 overload

Verb

No matter your hurry, overloading your washing machine will produce a headache of a different sort (and might even cost you more money). — Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 This behavior reflects a generation that is deeply committed to their pets and has no trouble finding information about how to care for them but can be easily overloaded with conflicting information and a paradox of choices about what to do next. — Mita Malhotra, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

The best moments from Michael Carrick’s side in the first half were deep crosses to wide men Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo — with a defensive overload and height advantage, these suited Hull. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 What is backed by decades of data — and what Sims recommends — is a strength training routine that includes progressive overload. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overload

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overload

Verb

Better hygiene isn’t the only reason Bogoyavlenskiy and his team load silverware this way.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026
After perfecting the design on their computer, Tiu loaded a drum of yellow ink into the printer.

— Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of load

Noun

The arrival of Stan Kroenke, whose sports empire includes the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Premier League’s Arsenal, among others, brings with it ballast.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
For most investors, bonds are a component of their accounts and usually (though not always) provide a ballast against stock volatility.

— Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of ballast

Verb

Such a structure ensures that benefits are targeted where they are most needed without overburdening the government’s budget.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2026
The former Florida Gator will help the Panthers get through training camp and through their next three preseason games without overburdening backup Kenny Pickett and starter Bryce Young.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of overburden

Noun

For instance, last year, Ontario briefly applied a 25% surcharge on electricity imports to the United States.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Even if the surcharge caused higher-income residents to vacate their apartments (which likely are over 50 years old and in need of substantial rehab), the median rents probably exceed the 30% of income level of New Yorkers most in need of housing.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of surcharge

Verb

The O’Connell clan’s reach extended far beyond a little bribery and ballot stuffing.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Reviews do note that, due to the cushion stuffing being so full, a quick fluffing may be required after sitting for long periods of time, just to get the fill back to normal.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of stuff

Noun

On Location, which sells premium packages at high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl and the US Open, helped generate $666 million in revenue for the first six months of this year — a 60% increase compared to the year prior.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Recent drone deliveries have not been flawless — a video spread across the internet earlier this month after an Amazon drone dropped a Texas customer’s package into her swimming pool.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of package

Noun

Analysts note that a key detail to keep in mind is that this massive jump in Samsung's operating profit was primarily driven by memory chip price hikes rather than significant shipment volume growth.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Others turn them off to disguise the origins of the shipment.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of shipment

Noun

Frame your outdoor retreat with hay bales and corn stalks or use them as backdrops for more colorful fall decor.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026
The disaster, which killed approximately 750 people and injured another 1,800, was due to the combustion of cotton bales and explosives, including TNT, that the ship was carrying.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bale

Browse Nearby Words

overlies

overload

overloaded

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Cite this Entry

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“Overload.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overload. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overload

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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