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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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 overburden 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 The plan is to have four high-quality wide options, so Iraola is able to rotate and not overburden players physically. — James Pearce, New York Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overburden

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overburden

Verb

That strategy can eventually overload the cell’s protein-making machinery.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
On the other hand, Tyler Lewis, owner and founder of Air Master HVAC & Electrical, explains that sometimes flickering can happen when a large appliance starts up and temporarily overloads a circuit.

— Bianca Lambert, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of overload

Verb

At the same time, Lanterns comes with a set of expectations that will never burden Reacher, an extended B movie of a TV series adapted from a potboiler run of airplane novels.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
Investors found out about the company’s troubles in an explosive article published by The Cut last year, which reported that the company was burdened by internal power and relationship struggles.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 13 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 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overburden

verb

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