overwhelming

adjective

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

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.
These additives, along with high levels of sugar, salt and fat, help create the overwhelming lure of ultraprocessed foods. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024 Jackson is no longer the overwhelming MVP favorite after what Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen did against Kansas City last week. Jack Magruder, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 On the morning that tickets to the premiere became available, the festival’s ticketing system temporarily crashed amid an overwhelming surge in demand. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024 Of note: The administrative cost of these programs tends to be a small fraction of the money spent; the overwhelming cost is the benefits themselves. Neil Irwin, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overwhelming 

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overwhelming was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near overwhelming

Cite this Entry

“Overwhelming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overwhelming. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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