OVERQUALIFIED Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

overqualified

adjective

Definition of overqualified

as in skilled

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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 overqualified Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound At this time in 2025, the Dodgers deployed the most overqualified opener of all time. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Others shared similar impressions of a cutthroat job market, in which a glut of overqualified candidates are competing for junior and mid-level software engineering jobs. — Joel Khalili, Wired News, 28 May 2026 Social media is rife with frustrated job seekers submitting hundreds of applications with no callbacks and overqualified candidates desperately throwing resumes at entry-level positions. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, overqualified singers like Ravyn Lenae, Mustafa, and Omar Apollo do some of the background vocal riffs that Harlow’s limited range won’t reach. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overqualified

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overqualified

Adjective

Medicare may cover up to 100 days of care in a skilled nursing facility following a qualifying hospital stay, according to KFF.

— Lorie Konish, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Tennis phenom Naomi Osaka is known not just as one of the sport’s most skilled players, but as one of its most boundary-pushing style stars.

— Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

Winegardner, a Lothian resident who once played professionally on the Hooters Tour for two years and qualified for a Nike Tour event, wants to tap into that thrill of competitive golf.

— Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 28 Aug. 2026
Despite recent scrutiny over his past associations and his history as Microsoft's CEO, Gates positions himself as a uniquely qualified messenger due to his tech background and philanthropic focus.

— John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

Of course, DreamDrive is also adept at dealing with Los Angeles traffic jams.

— Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Mythos is adept at spotting cyber vulnerabilities, which showed what Kurtz had been saying all along that companies can't deploy AI and then get AI to protect their systems.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

Weissbart explained that Parton did not necessarily have to assign someone with a proficient expertise in the music industry to oversee her catalog.

— Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
According to district data, only 12% of high schoolers were proficient in math in the 2024-2025 school year.

— Tara Lynch, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of proficient

Adjective

But our frustrations and inconvenience pale in comparison to the sadness of those who knew the deceased or to the trauma the drivers involved experienced.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Inside, rows of in-house brand American Hat Company (manufactured in Bowie) line the walls, and customers queue up for sessions with its team of experienced shapers.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

The world will become tragically, unbearably competent, a surface without a seam.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Schedule outlook The path to another major leap in 2026 is there for FIU, but the Panthers will have to navigate a schedule that features several competent Conference USA opponents.

— Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

The new complaints allege that recommendation was overruled by the company's global affairs team, led by veteran political strategist Lehane, which is responsible for public relations, public policy and political relationships.

— Shannon Bond, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026
This has left many wondering how much of this hard-line approach might change if Gadi Eisenkot, the veteran military official who is running ahead of Netanyahu in the polls, manages to defeat him.

— Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of veteran

Adjective

The jury sat through about a month of evidence, including physical exhibits, medical testimony and expert psychiatric analysis.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026
Sign up to get expert tips on the best of Southern California's beaches, trails, parks, deserts, forests and mountains in your inbox every Thursday.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of expert

Browse Nearby Words

overprotective

overqualified

overran

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“Overqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overqualified. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

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