OVERKILL Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

overkill

noun

ˈō-vər-ˌkil

Definition of overkill

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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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 overkill No amount of time-traveling expeditions to reboot or create alternate timelines can save it now, because it's been done to the point of overkill. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 3 July 2026 If the league shifted the primary burden of development to colleges, would those tools amount to overkill? — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 24 June 2026 Bill Plaschke’s and many Angel fans’ desire for Arte Moreno to sell his ownership of the Angels is an overkill. — Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2026 But in Steyer’s case, his recent unrelenting attack ads against surging Becerra — now his chief campaign rival — are disturbing and seem like overkill. — George Skelton, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overkill

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overkill

Noun

After receiving unsolicited donations due to his online fame, Ashton chose to redirect these funds to clean seniors' bins for free, reinvesting any surplus into his business and savings.

— Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The Broward School District is considering the closure of 10 schools as officials look to address a surplus of 60,000 empty seats, a decision that has sparked concern among local families.

— Ted Scouten, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of surplus

Noun

Allies packed the board’s meeting room at the school’s downtown Fort Lauderdale campus, with many settling for seating in an overflow room.

— Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026
In the spring, when the snow is melting and the springs that are high up in the rock cliffs some miles away are carrying it down full speed, the ditches overflow as does the little creek that runs near my cabin.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of overflow

Browse Nearby Words

overjoyed

overkill

overkills

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

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Synonyms of overkill

noun

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