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overflow

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verb

1
as in to flood
to flow over the brim or top of while the wine steward stood there gawking at the nearby celebrity, my expensive champagne was overflowing its glass and pouring onto our table

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in to burst
to be copiously supplied a magazine that usually overflows with home-repair tips for the do-it-yourselfer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of overflow
Noun
Many sports air on one of the major broadcast affiliates (ABC, CBS, NBC, or FOX), but overflow coverage and commentary often happens on other channels. PC Magazine, 8 July 2025 It’s used as an overflow lot when the main parking lots are full. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
Residents are asked to leave bins at the curb until serviced, and overflow trash should be bagged and placed next to carts. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 14 July 2025 Soon our table overflowed with plates: more sweet brown soda bread and Irish butter, Irish cheeses, pickles, rhubarb salad. Peter Terzian, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for overflow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflow
Noun
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • Earlier this month, Grok praised Adolf Hitler in comments about the Texas floods and spewed antisemitism.
    Chris Eudaily, CNBC, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Several were already sold out by 1 p.m. Thursday, but other restaurants open up their surplus shop in the evening.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
  • That one is a negative, however, as their +68 pop up surplus is quite a drag on their offense.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • After some pushing and shoving spilled over into the fence area behind one sideline, safety Markquese Bell threw a punch that caught cornerback Troy Pride in the back of the neck.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 26 July 2025
  • Warning on 'Escalating' Nuclear Tensions Half a year later, tensions between the countries spilled over again following the arrests in June of dozens of Azerbaijanis in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg.
    Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • From the doorway, Beau could see floodwaters beginning to engulf cabins closer to the Guadalupe River, where the younger boys slept.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • That was nothing compared to the aromas that engulfed me at the Generac stage July 4 for Porter Robinson’s stage-closing set.
    jsonline.com, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • What transpires is a film bursting at the seams with heart, adored by laymen and critics alike.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
  • An instant later, six-foot-tall flames burst upward in blazing pillars, followed by an intoxicating waft of garlic, lemon and herbs that permeated the air over a crowd of awed onlookers.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Low-water crossings and small creeks became raging torrents, sweeping away roads, cabins, and vehicles.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Recent flash flooding in Texas, New Mexico and North Carolina is highlighting the extreme dangers that these raging torrents of water can bring to communities in a matter of minutes.
    July 9, CBS News, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Sip wines made right on-site, sweat out nights of excess in the barrel sauna and cold plunge, and savor in-room breakfasts and alfresco wine dinners.
    Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
  • With no shortage of natural night in this nursery, there’s little need for an excess of lamps or harsh overhead lighting, though the boho-style chandelier Storm added complements the wood finishes throughout the space.
    Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Just be sure to wash towels according to color and never overfill the machine.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • This provides a tangible way to avoid overfilling and helps create a sense of accountability.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overflow. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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