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.
Support for enacting term limits was overwhelming, with yes votes holding more than a three-to-one lead over no votes. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024 Their data shows 15 to 20 men’s college basketball programs are in the highest tier of support, and that the overwhelming majority of programs are going to at some point be outbid. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2024 Ranging from plans with different deductibles to different inclusions, the choices can feel overwhelming. Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Lawmakers split Nashville into three separate districts, forcing longtime Democratic Rep. Jim Cooper into retirement and shifting the state's congressional delegation to an overwhelming GOP majority. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 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 22 Nov. 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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