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Showing results for overwhelm. Search instead for overwhel.
Definitions

overwhelm

[oh-ver-hwelm, -welm] / ˌoʊ vərˈʰwɛlm, -ˈwɛlm /
VERB
flood, beat physically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crush defeat deluge destroy engulf inundate overcome overpower overrun rout submerge swamp
STRONG
bury conquer drown drub massacre overflow overthrow smother thrash total whip win
Antonyms
STRONGEST
encourage inspirit lose surrender underwhelm yield
STRONG
fail forfeit uncover
WEAK
not impress
VERB
astonish, devastate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bewilder confound confuse demoralize destroy disturb dumbfound overcome overpower puzzle shock stun surprise swamp upset
STRONG
downgrade drown floor kill prostrate shatter stagger steamroller subordinate wreck
WEAK
blow out of the water bowl over do in render speechless run circles around
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clarify clear up comfort enlighten explain order organize surrender yield
STRONG
aid assist create help
WEAK
not impress underwhelm

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.

As a result, these insects can tolerate higher levels of cold-related stress and continue functioning in conditions that would overwhelm most species.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

Coordinated attacks via networks of hijacked devices, used to overwhelm systems, also more than doubled in 2025 and are becoming more common thanks to services available for hire.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Their attacking intent started to overwhelm Arsenal, the pressure became impossible to resist.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

The host Knights used their balanced attack and nine three-pointers to simply overwhelm defending state champion Etiwanda, 80-66.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

Then, dropping the wallet on Juanita’s lap, I closed my eyes and fought past the raw, agonizing emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall