Illustration of overall
- overall 1b
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 
1
: all over sense 1
the pattern used overall
2
: from one end to the other
600 feet long overall
3
a
: in view of all the circumstances or conditions
overall, the sale was a success
b
: as a whole : generally
doesn't do as well overall
overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power—
Time
Time
c
: with everyone or everything taken into account
was third overall in earnings
got 31 miles to the gallon overall
over·all
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
a
b
usually overalls
: trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps
2
chiefly British
: a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
: including everything
2
: viewed as a whole : general
Synonyms
Examples of overall in a Sentence
Adverb
He made a few mistakes but did well overall.
Overall, the project was successful.
Adjective
your overall score after two rounds
His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him.
Your overall health is sound.
She likes the overall quality of the product.
The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
Banter was overall kept to a minimum, though Armstrong shared some advice about the current state of the world in a brief address.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Feb. 2025
Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025
Hastings said the Badgers (11-12-3 overall) have been toughened by the early adversity.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2025
David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
The proportionate gap between those revenue streams and overall expenses was even more pronounced at the Division II level, according to the NCAA.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for overall 
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Adverb
Tyler Herro this week became the 11th different Heat player to make to an NBA All-Star team, and the 41st selection for Miami overall.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2025
Banter was overall kept to a minimum, though Armstrong shared some advice about the current state of the world in a brief address.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
The report also showed that major felony crime fell by 2% overall, with robberies, burglaries and grand larceny down, but murders and felony assaults up.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025
Hastings said the Badgers (11-12-3 overall) have been toughened by the early adversity.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
Cummings comes to Randy Meyer Racing with an impressive track record and experience that includes two regional titles and an overall second-place finish in the national standings in 2022.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
The proportionate gap between those revenue streams and overall expenses was even more pronounced at the Division II level, according to the NCAA.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for overall
Dictionary Entries Near overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overall
1 of 2 adverb
over·all
ˌō-və-ˈrȯl
: as a whole : generally
we find your work satisfactory, overall
overall
2 of 2 adjectiveˌō-və-ˈrȯl,
ˈō-və-ˌrȯl
1
: including everything
overall expenses
2
: viewed as a whole : general
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