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
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Recent Examples of overwhelm
Russian forces launched a barrage of more than 700 attack and decoy drones at Ukraine overnight, part of Russia's ongoing effort to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense systems.
—
Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
The wall of water overwhelmed people in cabins, tents and trailers along the river’s edge, pulling them into the water.
—Nadia Lathan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Citizens were seen adding trash to the massive piles that overwhelmed streets that the city has designated as temporary trash dumping sites.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
The scale of the atrocities committed on the day of the attacks meant that first responders and investigators were overwhelmed.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
The wall of water overwhelmed people in cabins, tents and trailers along the river’s edge, pulling them into the water.
—Nadia Lathan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025
Citizens were seen adding trash to the massive piles that overwhelmed streets that the city has designated as temporary trash dumping sites.
—Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
The scale of the atrocities committed on the day of the attacks meant that first responders and investigators were overwhelmed.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for overwhelm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overwhelm
Verb
-
Becky Lynch overcame Lyra Valkyria and Bayley to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in what was possibly the match of the night.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
-
Judicial confirmations were once a slower, more contentious process, often requiring 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
Verb
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From the doorway, Beau could see floodwaters beginning to engulf cabins closer to the Guadalupe River, where the younger boys slept.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
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That was nothing compared to the aromas that engulfed me at the Generac stage July 4 for Porter Robinson’s stage-closing set.—
jsonline.com,
jsonline.com,
4 July 2025
Verb
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Hill Country was devastated by flash flooding on July 4 after torrential downpours caused the Guadalupe River to rise to near 30 feet.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
John Tufts The Grand Canyon North Rim, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, has been devastated by the Dragon Bravo wildfire.—
John Tufts,
IndyStar,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Previous storms have flooded Mason’s building, damaging appliances and furniture, but this time she was mostly spared.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Thousands of comments flooded the platform owned by Trump.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
14 July 2025
Verb
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That’s the rivalry, contained in two points: the creativity and improvisational feel of Alcaraz; the crushing technical brilliance of Sinner.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
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The biggest hole on the Phillies' roster is in the bullpen following Jose Alvarado's crushing suspension.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
Verb
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The campers drowned when their bus attempted to evacuate them and was overtaken by floodwater.—
Anna Skinner,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
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In 2024, 34 kids with autism drowned in Florida — half of the national total.—
Karen Cohn,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overwhelm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overwhelm. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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