OVERBURDEN Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

overburden

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈbər-dᵊn

Definition of overburden

as in to overload

to fill or load to excess it is important that you bring on the hike plenty of food and water, but don't overburden your pack with unnecessary gear

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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 overburden The property tax has long been Connecticut’s Gordian knot, a seemingly intractable problem that overburdens middle- and low-income households, stymies business growth and creates great K-12 education disparities between cities and suburbs. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026 The Legislature has repeatedly rejected stiffer criminal penalties for wayward operators and stymied efforts to let cities or counties pick up enforcement slack when state inspectors are overburdened. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 In January 2025, a federal judge ruled that portion of the ordinance overburdens free speech rights by prohibiting anyone from providing any lecture in any San Diego public park or beach. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 The concept has overwhelmingly blurred the lines between professional and personal hours for physicians, overburdening an already tenuous workforce. — Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overburden

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overburden

Verb

It was later revealed that the plane had been overloaded by 700 pounds and the pilot, who had cocaine and alcohol in his system, was not authorized to be flying, according to CBS.

— Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Avoid overloading the washing machine so the fabric has adequate room to rinse thoroughly.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of overload

Verb

Meanwhile, Fed policy uncertainty, the Middle East situation, and an earnings season burdened with high expectations could all act as catalysts for fresh turbulence.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The two deaths linked to measles that Pennsylvania health officials announced this week set off a flurry of political sparring, misinformation and confusion that only added to the tension over the country’s highest measles burden in 35 years.

— Jason Kane, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of burden

Browse Nearby Words

overbright

overburden

overburdened

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“Overburden.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overburden. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overburden

verb

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