1
as in flood
a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms
a great overflow of water from the heavy rains swept mud and silt down onto the highway
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
an overflow of help actually made the job more complicated
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to engulf
to cover with a flood
the swollen river overflowed the surrounding land and washed several houses away
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overflow
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
This case began when a city in Oregon did not have adequate homeless shelters, leading to an overflow of homeless people on the streets.
—Leah Goodridge, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
Melony Forcier, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
The Kentucky River overflowed into homes and businesses in Frankfort, Ky., on Monday.
—Patrick J. Lyons, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overflow
Noun
In the bakery’s backroom, Odio saw a sewage overflow or leak under the grease trap next to the three-compartment sink.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025
This case began when a city in Oregon did not have adequate homeless shelters, leading to an overflow of homeless people on the streets.
—Leah Goodridge, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
Luckily, Amazon is overflowing with bedding deals, from cooling pillows to ice-cold comforters, that ensure comfortable sleep even during hot summer nights.
—Melony Forcier, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
The Kentucky River overflowed into homes and businesses in Frankfort, Ky., on Monday.
—Patrick J. Lyons, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overflow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overflow
Noun
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Brown saw 3 feet of water flood her home in a predominantly Black neighborhood that still shows damage from the storm.—
Jesse Coburn,
ProPublica,
25 Mar. 2025
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Best Option Restoration is a nationally franchised disaster restoration business that handles wind and storm damage, fire damage, flood/water damage, and contents cleanout to residential and commercial customers.—
Ethan Stone,
USA TODAY,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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That, and the surplus of mentors who played for Dad before him.—
Sam Cohn,
Baltimore Sun,
24 Mar. 2025
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During the Legislature’s budget session in 2023, Minnesota was working with an $18 billion surplus and approved a budget of $72 billion, a jump from the previous $52 billion budget.—
Mary Murphy,
Twin Cities,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Sitting inside Made in New York Pizza in Manhattan earlier this year, sporting a Haas top, Bearman spilled the details about his thrilling offseason project: putting together furniture for his Monaco apartment.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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The cups: The cups should fully contain your breasts without any gaping or spilling over.—
Bianca London,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In the first, the sheepdog appears engulfed by a thick coat of long white fur, his face nearly obscured by the shaggy mass.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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The ad featured the artist in his studio, struggling with a piece of artwork, when suddenly, the entire room is engulfed in white paint, covering both his paintings and him.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Since bursting onto the scene as a freshman, Janiah has carried a heavy load for Seminole Ridge, showcasing not only her scoring ability but also her all-around impact on the game.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2025
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Today’s styles run the gamut from nostalgic hearts and classic knots to bursting stars and beachy swirls.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
Glamour,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Campos Mello broke a series of stories about businessmen who were financing a torrent of WhatsApp messages that denigrated Haddad.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
-
Hub’s new gig unleashes a torrent of comically exaggerated gore and populates his world with even more colorful characters.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Though the film itself received mixed reviews, Kilmer’s committed performance as the self-destructive rocker who epitomized the psychedelic excesses of the 1960s was widely praised.—
Lindsey Bahr,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2025
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Drizzle a bit of oil into the skillet and wipe out the excess so only a thin sheen remains.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Toilet paper goes right into the film baggy – just don't overfill!—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Mar. 2025
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This dramatic bed frame is an easy way to add personality to your bedroom without overfilling it with decor.—
Sarah Madaus,
Architectural Digest,
4 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overflow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overflow. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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