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Synonyms

overwhelmed

American  
[oh-ver-hwelmd, -welmd] / ˌoʊ vərˈʰwɛlmd, -ˈwɛlmd /

adjective

  1. completely overcome in mind or feeling.

    She told the overwhelmed and sobbing mother she would take care of all medical expenses.

  2. loaded, filled, or addressed with an excessive amount of anything.

    Over 100 dogs were transported to other parts of the state from overwhelmed animal shelters on the coast.

  3. overpowered or crushed, as by superior forces.

    The aim of the coalition's operation was to stop the dictator and his army from attacking already overwhelmed rebel troops.


verb

  1. the simple past tense and past participle of overwhelm.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of overwhelmed

overwhelm ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Feeling overwhelmed by stress or struggling to adjust when things go wrong?

From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026

Rather than becoming trapped in negative thinking or overwhelmed by frustration, people with greater psychological flexibility can recognize their emotions, consider their options, and respond in a more productive way.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026

“While I understand feeling overwhelmed by the cost, I believe it’s better to address medical debt than ignore it,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

Even without two of their three top players, the Lakers overwhelmed the Kings, who are expected to be among the worst teams in the Western Conference again.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

When he pulled open the heavy glass door at the front of the brick building, Bat was overwhelmed by smells and sounds.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

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