OVERQUALIFIED Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

overqualified

adjective

Definition of overqualified

as in skilled

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of overqualified Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound At this time in 2025, the Dodgers deployed the most overqualified opener of all time. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Others shared similar impressions of a cutthroat job market, in which a glut of overqualified candidates are competing for junior and mid-level software engineering jobs. — Joel Khalili, Wired News, 28 May 2026 Social media is rife with frustrated job seekers submitting hundreds of applications with no callbacks and overqualified candidates desperately throwing resumes at entry-level positions. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, overqualified singers like Ravyn Lenae, Mustafa, and Omar Apollo do some of the background vocal riffs that Harlow’s limited range won’t reach. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overqualified

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overqualified

Adjective

Minervini, a polished and skilled host, did good work in the Marlins studio for a quarter century.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
Co-founder Bohdan Sas said the company is focusing on missions that place heavy demands on skilled operators, including reconnaissance, counter-drone defense and precision-strike assistance.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

While the 28-year-old hit 19 homers and stole 41 bases, his 98 wRC+ ranked 14th among qualified second basemen.

— Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, of the 105 political parties and groupings qualified to participate, only 33 had successfully submitted their membership lists.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

Provincial governments, adept at interpreting and carrying out the central leadership’s priorities, have responded rapidly.

— Scott Singer, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026
The service Staff are adept at service that’s natural, but makes guests feel special.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

Charles is dark and brooding, but proficient in manly pursuits.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026
Often a parent hears a child speaking English with friends or siblings and assumes the child is already proficient and has exited the program, Villarreal said.

— Emily Woodruff, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of proficient

Adjective

The battle near the basket will test whether Reese can establish position and create second chances against another experienced rebounder.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Silver said the league wanted to ensure that even the most experienced players wouldn't notice a change in how the ball feels or bounces.

— Jessica Golden, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

Their defense is playing well, and their offense looks competent.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
There’s people that are trying to do it and there’s people are very competent at it, but someone’s going to be right, someone’s going to be wrong, and there’s going to be big swings one way or another.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

Starring Zhang Yi, Ma Li, and Chen Minghao alongside Karry Wang, Fan Chengcheng, and Chen Feiyu, the multi-decade narrative charts a veteran public security officer unraveling major historical cases based on real events.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
As a veteran buyer, McMullen believes that luxury comes from intention, not price point or a label.

— Viv Chen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of veteran

Adjective

The spa The boutique Spa al Mare is located across the street from the resort in a small standalone building, offering expert massage and facial treatments by top island therapists.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
For months, the Monitor repeatedly contacted the Saudi Heritage Commission for expert comment but did not receive a response.

— Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of expert

Browse Nearby Words

overprotective

overqualified

overran

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Overqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overqualified. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

deportment

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes