overwhelm

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈ(h)welm How to pronounce overwhelm (audio)
Definition of overwhelmnext
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

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 overwhelm Republicans' ace in the hole While Democratic candidates dominate direct donations, Republicans are countering with overwhelming outside spending. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Jalen Brunson doesn't overwhelm anyone athletically like Michael Jordan or LeBron James. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 When kidney function is poor, supplements and magnesium-containing medicines can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to toxicity. — Md Published, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2026 Morris says this shade adds drama and elegance without overwhelming the room, while also elevating the architecture. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
  1. overcome
  2. engulf
  3. devastate
  4. flood
  5. crush
  6. drown
Verb
  • For now, the study identifies a previously underappreciated part of the immune system that could help overcome one of SCLC’s most persistent defenses.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But Gordon has emerged as Miami’s clear lead back, capable of overcoming a poor situation.
    — Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • The protest movement has added to a sense of uncertainty and crisis engulfing France six months ahead of a presidential election that could usher in the first far-right government since World War II, led by Le Pen’s National Rally.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026
  • These poignant and revealing journals cover the years after the financial disaster that engulfed Scott.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of engulf
Verb
  • Non-consensually posted intimate images can devastate women – and beget male bonding.
    — Brittany Luse, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
  • That pad, now dubbed LC-36A, was devastated by a massive explosion during a test back in May, but construction crews have worked 24/7 to try and build it back to launch capability before the end of the year.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of devastate
Verb
  • To make way for what will be the third reservoir to serve the canal, an area of more than 11,000 acres that is currently home to schools, churches, farms and cemeteries will have to be flooded and at least 1,600 residents re-homed.
    — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026
  • In the post-George Floyd era, some young adults have been reluctant to become police officers compared to the days when departments were flooded with applications from eager jobseekers.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of flood
Verb
  • Dodgers three-peat dream dies Milwaukee completed a four-game sweep of the Dodgers with a crushing 6-4 win Thursday at Dodger Stadium.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper add a deeper savory element to the cream cheese base.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of crush
Verb
  • The guy went right to shore, the wife drowned while paddling around looking for him.
    — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • However, after Mitt drowns himself in the midst of a terminal illness, Jay goes diving in search of his father’s remains.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of drown

Browse Nearby Words

overweights
overwhelm
overwhelmed
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Cite this Entry

“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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