OVERLOAD Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

overload 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈlōd

Definition of overload

as in to load

to fill or load to excess try not to overload your backpack, or you could end up with back problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

overload

2 of 2

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 overload

Verb

That strategy can eventually overload the cell’s protein-making machinery. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 In major urban centers, persistent joblessness has fueled a resurgence of anti-migrant rhetoric and vigilante violence targeting foreigners from neighboring African states, who are frequently accused of taking jobs and overloading local services. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

Pediatric specialists say signs of overload include kids leaning forward, struggling to walk or complaining of pain, and urge families to keep bags as light as possible. — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 This might include more focus on autistic experiences of sensory overload and meltdowns, as well as the value and pleasure to be found in hyperfocus and intense interest in particular topics. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overload

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overload

Verb

The crude that Tehran is able to load on tankers probably doesn't make it past the blockade, Smith added.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
In the third inning, the Royals left the bases loaded as Jac Caglianone and Salvador Perez struck out in a clutch situation.

— Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of load

Verb

Such a structure ensures that benefits are targeted where they are most needed without overburdening the government’s budget.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2026
The former Florida Gator will help the Panthers get through training camp and through their next three preseason games without overburdening backup Kenny Pickett and starter Bryce Young.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of overburden

Noun

For instance, last year, Ontario briefly applied a 25% surcharge on electricity imports to the United States.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Even if the surcharge caused higher-income residents to vacate their apartments (which likely are over 50 years old and in need of substantial rehab), the median rents probably exceed the 30% of income level of New Yorkers most in need of housing.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of surcharge

Verb

On a recent afternoon, the lanky, mustachioed Zucker, wearing a T-shirt, ballcap and small hoop earrings, bears little resemblance to his comic alter ego who sports a tattered suit with gag props stuffed in every pocket.

— Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Thin-shelled yet not overly delicate, stuffed with amarena cherry-scented light ricotta bookended by bitter dark chocolate chips.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of stuff

Noun

On Location, which sells premium packages at high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl and the US Open, helped generate $666 million in revenue for the first six months of this year — a 60% increase compared to the year prior.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Recent drone deliveries have not been flawless — a video spread across the internet earlier this month after an Amazon drone dropped a Texas customer’s package into her swimming pool.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of package

Noun

Analysts note that a key detail to keep in mind is that this massive jump in Samsung's operating profit was primarily driven by memory chip price hikes rather than significant shipment volume growth.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Others turn them off to disguise the origins of the shipment.

— Jane Arraf, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of shipment

Noun

Frame your outdoor retreat with hay bales and corn stalks or use them as backdrops for more colorful fall decor.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026
The disaster, which killed approximately 750 people and injured another 1,800, was due to the combustion of cotton bales and explosives, including TNT, that the ship was carrying.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bale

Browse Nearby Words

overlies

overload

overloaded

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Style

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

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Synonyms of overload

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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