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Definition of overwhelming

overwhelming

/ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmɪŋ/
o · ver · whelm · ing
Adverb:overwhelmingly
•
Past Simple:overwhelmed
•
Past Participle:overwhelmed
•
Present Participle:overwhelming
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overwhelming Lexical Profile

overwhelming Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Very great in amount, degree, or intensity; so strong or abundant as to be difficult to resist or comprehend.

Example

"The proposal received support from an overwhelming majority of the committee members."

2

Having a overpowering emotional or mental effect; causing someone to feel completely overcome or unable to cope.

Example

"Moving to a bustling metropolis for the first time can be an overwhelming experience for many students."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To have a strong emotional or mental effect on someone, or to burden them with too much of something (present participle of overwhelm).

Example

"The sheer volume of customer inquiries was overwhelming the small support team."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for overwhelming
Antonyms
View all antonyms for overwhelming

• Rhymes for overwhelming

• Nearby Words

overweigh
overweight
overwhelm
overwhelming
overwhelmingly
overwinter
overwork

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English verb 'overwhelmen', combining 'over-' with 'whelmen' (to turn over or submerge), which is related to Old English 'hwylfan' (to cover over or arch).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Overwhelming. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/overwhelming
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