as in surplus
the state or an instance of going beyond what is usual, proper, or needed
the song already borders on the maudlin—the addition of a syrupy string accompaniment would just be overkill
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Recent Examples of overkill
In an age when blockbuster overkill is supposed to be saving movies, the film reminds you that the real salvation of cinema will always come from those who understand that making a movie should be a magic trick good enough to fool the magician himself into believing it.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 May 2025
This might sound like overkill, but as the car heats up and snow starts to slide, roof snow can fall onto windshields and obscure vision at intersections or when pressing on the brakes.
—Kade Krichko, Outside Online, 6 Mar. 2025
Since the 2015 Progeny box already gave us seven full concerts from the same tour, an additional show is welcome, but a bit of an overkill.
—Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
That big ol’ stockpot may suddenly seem like total overkill.
—Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 May 2025
This might sound like overkill, but as the car heats up and snow starts to slide, roof snow can fall onto windshields and obscure vision at intersections or when pressing on the brakes.
—Kade Krichko, Outside Online, 6 Mar. 2025
Since the 2015 Progeny box already gave us seven full concerts from the same tour, an additional show is welcome, but a bit of an overkill.
—Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
That big ol’ stockpot may suddenly seem like total overkill.
—Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overkill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overkill
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
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
-
Court officials plan to open an overflow room, where the proceedings will be livestreamed.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
24 July 2025
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Seating in the courtroom is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the hearing will be streamed in an overflow room in the courthouse, the court said.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overkill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overkill. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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