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What is another word for Overwhelming? – 269 Overwhelming Synonyms

    Need another word for Overwhelming? Use these synonyms of Overwhelming from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    overpowering crushing overwhelming devastating disastrous calamitous cataclysmic annihilating extinguishing snuffing stifling smothering choking suffocating asphyxiating staggering shocking astounding astonishing bewildering perplexing puzzling baffling confounding daunting intimidating formidable fearsome terrible horrific dreadful dire appalling ghastly gruesome horrific heinous atrocious abhorrent detestable odious loathsome repulsive repugnant disgusting distasteful unpalatable unpleasant disagreeable uncomfortable distressing troubling worrisome disquieting unsettling unnerving alarming frightening terrifying petrifying spine-chilling blood-curdling hair-raising daunting discouraging disheartening demoralizing depressing dismal gloomy somber melancholy mournful sorrowful sad unhappy unfortunate unlucky inauspicious ill-fated ill-omened direful ominous foreboding threatening menacing formidable redoubtable invincible insurmountable impassable insuperable

    Meaning of Overwhelming

    The primary meaning of the word "overwhelming" is extremely great or serious, or having a strong effect on someone's feelings or thoughts.

    Definitions

    • Extremely great or serious: The overwhelming majority of people opposed the proposal.
    • * Having a strong effect on someone's feelings or thoughts: The news of her death was overwhelming.
    • * Defeating or crushing someone or something: The team was overwhelming in their victory.

    Etymology of Overwhelming

    The word "overwhelming" has its roots in the Old English words "ofer" meaning "over" and "welman" meaning "to well up" or "to overflow".
    The word initially meant "to overflow" or "to surge over", and later developed to mean "to overpower" or "to crush".
    The word has been in use since the 15th century and has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to greatness, seriousness, and strong effects.

    Example Uses

    • The crowd was overwhelming, making it difficult to move through the stadium.
    • * The news of the natural disaster was overwhelming, with thousands of people affected.
    • * The team's performance was overwhelming, resulting in a landslide victory.

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    underwhelming mild moderate slight minor insignificant negligible imperceptible faint weak feeble tame dull unimpressive unremarkable ordinary mediocre average normal usual expected predictable manageable controllable bearable tolerable endurable sustainable pleasant enjoyable delightful pleasing satisfying gratifying welcome inviting appealing attractive enticing alluring charming captivating enchanting mesmerizing spellbinding

    Related Nouns

    chaos disaster catastrophe calamity crisis emergency predicament plight dilemma quandary trouble difficulty problem obstacle hurdle challenge threat menace danger peril hazard risk uncertainty instability turmoil upheaval commotion disturbance disruption confusion bewilderment perplexity puzzle enigma mystery shock trauma stress anxiety fear dread terror horror anguish agony suffering pain distress misery woe sorrow grief mourning bereavement

    Related Verbs

    overwhelm overpower crush defeat conquer vanquish subdue subjugate dominate control mastered surpass exceed outdo outshine outclass outmaneuver outwit outsmart outplay outperform overwhelm flood inundate deluge swamp engulf engulfing suffocate stifle smother choke asphyxiate snuff extinguish annihilate devastate ravage destroy demolish dismantle disintegrate shatter smash crush pulverize atomize

    Related Adjectives

    overwhelming overpowering crushing devastating disastrous calamitous cataclysmic annihilating extinguishing suffocating stifling smothering choking asphyxiating staggering shocking astounding astonishing bewildering perplexing puzzling baffling confounding daunting intimidating formidable fearsome terrible horrific dreadful dire