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Showing results for overflow.
Definitions

overflow

[oh-ver-floh, oh-ver-floh] / ˌoʊ vərˈfloʊ, ˈoʊ vərˌfloʊ /
NOUN
flood, inundation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deluge flash flood overabundance torrent
STRONG
Niagara advance cataclysm cataract congestion discharge encroachment enforcement engorgement excess exuberance flooding infringement overcrowding overkill overmuch overproduction plethora pour propulsion push redundancy spate spill spillover submergence submersion superfluity surfeit surplus
Antonyms
STRONG
discouragement insufficiency lack necessity need want
VERB
pour out, flood
Synonyms
STRONGEST
brim bubble over cascade deluge drain drown engulf gush inundate leak overrun pour run over soak spill spill over submerge swamp
STRONG
cover discharge irrupt issue jet overtop rush shed shower slop slosh spout spray spurt squirt surge water wave well wet whelm
WEAK
fall over overbrim well over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dry underwhelm
STRONG
dehydrate hold keep

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Passing by on a random weeknight, one might see an overflow of patrons spilling onto Vermont Avenue, as the shop regularly hosts authors to discuss their new books.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

"So the boats overflow and over-spill sediment, propellers churn sediment up on the lake bed and there's run-off from the storage yards."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Their findings suggest that inside lysosomes, this channel acts like an overflow valve, preventing the environment from becoming too acidic.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Currently, the state spends money to send overflow prisoners to county jails, many of which are also packed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Despite the short notice, an overflow crowd was on hand, hoping that they would be the first to learn of a new inspiration.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson