overwhelming

1 of 2

adjective

over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈ(h)wel-miŋ How to pronounce overwhelming (audio)
Synonyms of overwhelming
: tending or serving to overwhelm
overwhelming force
overwhelming evidence
also : extreme, great
overwhelming indifference
an overwhelming majority

overwhelming

2 of 2

present participle of overwhelm

Examples of overwhelming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
As Earth faces an overwhelming alien threat, these young aviators are thrown into relentless combat that tests their loyalty, courage and faith in one another. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 Panay is known as an effusive onstage showman, making product launches a flashy, intimate affair that feels closer to Apple’s past legendary showcases than to the overwhelming Amazon events that predated him. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 Whitney had prerecorded the song—a necessity in such settings, Rickey says, due to the overwhelming din of the crowd. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026 Wilson emphasized, however, that the overwhelming response to the documentary had been positive, even if the subject-matter is difficult. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overwhelming

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwhelming was in 1567

Browse Nearby Words

overwhelmed
overwhelming
overwhelmingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwhelming. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overwhelming

adjective
over·​whelm·​ing ˌō-vər-ˈhwel-miŋ How to pronounce overwhelming (audio)
-wel-
: great sense 4, extreme
an overwhelming response
overwhelmingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on overwhelming

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