Synonyms for "Overwhelming" (Adjective)
The adjective "overwhelming" describes something that is extremely great in amount, intensity, or effect, often to the point of being difficult to handle or resist. Here are some synonyms and their explanations with examples:
- Astonishing
- "Astonishing" means causing great surprise or amazement. When something is overwhelming in a way that leaves one in a state of shock or wonder, "astonishing" can be used.
- Example: The athlete's performance was astonishing. He broke multiple records and left the audience in awe, just like an overwhelming display of skill would.
- Staggering
- This implies something so large or powerful that it makes one unsteady or causes one to hesitate. It conveys a sense of being almost too much to comprehend or deal with, similar to overwhelming.
- Example: The staggering amount of debt the company had accumulated was a major concern. It was like an overwhelming burden that threatened its survival.
- Tremendous
- "Tremendous" means very large or great in size, amount, or degree. It can be used to describe something that has an overpowering or significant impact.
- Example: The tremendous force of the hurricane was overwhelming. It destroyed houses and uprooted trees, showing its overpowering nature.
- Overpowering
- This directly relates to being so strong or intense that it overcomes or subdues. It is very close in meaning to overwhelming and emphasizes the ability to dominate.
- Example: The overpowering smell of the flowers in the garden was almost too much. It filled the air in an overwhelming way, making it hard to focus on anything else.
- Devastating
- When something is overwhelming in a negative and destructive sense, "devastating" is appropriate. It suggests causing great damage or destruction.
- Example: The news of the earthquake was devastating. The scale of the destruction was overwhelming, leaving thousands homeless and the community in ruins.
- Inundating
- This implies being flooded or swamped, either literally or figuratively. It can describe a situation where there is an excessive amount of something, similar to being overwhelmed.
- Example: The office was inundated with paperwork. The sheer volume was overwhelming, and employees struggled to keep up.