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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.

They included evidence of North Korea's ability to mount miniaturised nuclear warheads and conduct "saturation attacks" that overwhelm enemy interception networks with sheer quantity, Lim said.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Too many choices can lead to overwhelm; many people in an IRA are in cash, because they look at the 10,000-plus options available and they don’t know what to do with the money.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

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

As the pandemic progressed, the NHS reached a state of overwhelm and patients did not get the level of care they needed.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

“Don’t overwhelm the girl. She'll learn as she goes.”

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English

Vocabulary lists containing overwhelm

The Diary of Anne Frank

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Anti-Antonyms: Words Without Opposites

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List 7

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