overall 1 of 2

adjective

ˌō-vər-ˈȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
Definition of overallnext
1
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole the overall view seems to be that we're doing fine economically

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in broad
relating to the main elements and not to specific details there's an overall similarity in the looks of the models for that chain of clothing stores

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people the overall mind-set among the people in our town seems to be that any increase in taxes is bad

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

overall

2 of 2

adverb

ˌō-vər-ˈȯl How to pronounce overall (audio)
1
as in collectively
with everyone or everything taken into account at the same time reduce the budget overall by 15 percent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mostly
for the most part overall, this is a good speech, but it could use a little humor

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 overall
Adjective
This co-located layout uses internal space efficiently and reduces the overall volume of the core. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 The Conference Board said last week that its overall consumer confidence index had dropped to its lowest level since January. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Adverb
The report’s authors said promise-keeping, more than promise-speed, seems to drive the purchase decision overall. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Wednesday should remain mostly sunny overall, with a high near 86 degrees followed by unsettled weather Thursday. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overall
  1. general
  2. broad
  3. prevailing
  4. collectively
  5. mostly
  6. generic
  7. public
  8. generally
Adjective
  • Diaper qualities and features Some general diaper selection factors to consider are cost, softness, absorbency, fit, fragrance, ingredients and environmental friendliness.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • His agents, Matt and Ryan Keator, wisely held off on engaging in serious negotiations with the Ducks and general manager Pat Verbeek throughout the year while recognizing the uncertainty of an evolving NHL marketplace fueled by a surging salary cap.
    — Chris Johnston, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of general
Adjective
  • Blakespear said the definition was broad enough to encompass a wide range of heavy industrial uses, including chemical, plastics and pesticide manufacturing and strip mining.
    — Naomi Taxay, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The e-commerce giant is preparing to launch its Prime Air service in Tracy as part of a broader expansion effort that will bring delivery drones to 500 cities and towns by the end of the year.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of broad
Adjective
  • The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.
    — Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of prevailing
Adverb
  • The same circle of dealers also sold artworks to the Metropolitan Museum, where the New York District Attorney’s Office seized five antiquities valued collectively at more than $3 million in 2022; those included a gold sarcophagus.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Despite collectively making up about 95% of the universe's contents, dark matter and dark energy aren't visible to us.
    — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of collectively
Adverb
  • The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that applies to more than 1 million people in San Diego County, mostly across inland valleys, foothills and mountains where high temperatures will approach or exceed 95 to 114 degrees.
    — Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • After all, horror isn’t exactly a Broadway staple and producers have mostly given up that particular ghost.
    — Frank Rizzo, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of mostly
Adjective
  • In 2022, Cuban founded Cost Plus Drugs, a website created to sell generic medication at a lower price than most large pharmacies.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The key lesson for personal branding is to embrace distinctiveness, substance, and a unique voice, rather than conforming to generic professionalism.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of generic
Adjective
  • Shein's Hong Kong debut comes after earlier attempts to go public in New York and London did not materialize.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This was far from Towns’ first public splash in the sports card space.
    — Larry Holder, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of public
Adverb
  • Asians generally have longer life expectancies than those outside the region—but longer lives aren’t the same as healthier ones.
    — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Deployed as a No 10 and later as a striker, Wissa epitomised all that was good about Newcastle with his energy and drive, leaving a trail of Liverpool players in his wake in the lead-up to the second goal and generally inspiring those around him.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of generally

Browse Nearby Words

overages
overall
overambitious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overall. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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