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 misconceived rogue-robot sequel to the campy 2022 treat diluted the original’s cheeky horror comedy by overloading on messy espionage elements. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026 Even leave-in masks, which are designed for daily use, should be applied according to your hair’s needs; overloading can leave strands greasy or limp. — Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026

Noun

There’s also hints of vulnerability and genuine tenderness in her stern headmistress of the bedroom, which Wilde slips in just slyly enough to let the presence of a heart peek through all the brainy brashness and hormone overload. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 30 July 2026 Zomorodi, who also hosted the NPR podcast Body Electric, talks to Life Kit about the science of information overload. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overload

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overload

Verb

Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott retired seven straight before singles by Henry Bolte and Tommy White and a walk to Jonah Heim loaded the bases in the fourth.

— CBS News, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
The Red Sox were limited to one run in the bottom of the 11th despite loading the bases with one out.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of load

Noun

Because radiation shielding adds significant weight to one spot, engineers must adjust the ship’s overall balance and ballast systems.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026
First is to prevent their further migration by enforcing an international treaty obliging national authorities to treat ballast waters inside incoming ships that may carry such species.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of ballast

Verb

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
Fuel supply risks Adding nuclear battleships to the US defense load directly risks the AUKUS partnership by overburdening key industrial assets.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026

Definition of overburden

Noun

Enrollment in that program is automatic for all gig workers and taxi drivers, with benefits paid for through a passenger surcharge collected instantly via fares.

— Jacob Lederman, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
After that master list was published, around 17,000 homeowners received letters warning them that the city had identified them as subject to the tax and needed to contest the finding or get hit with the surcharge.

— Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of surcharge

Verb

Take one scroll through his Instagram account, which shows off photos of trotters (pig feet) stuffed with sweetbreads (animal pancreas) and Alsatian headcheese (a mold made of pig scraps, usually from the animal’s head).

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026
Reducing exposure requires multifactor authentication, credential-stuffing protection, anomaly detection, and clear customer notification and recovery processes.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of stuff

Noun

Appointments, decrees, an emergency spending cut, a tax bill, a security package.

— Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Charter is the industry leader, providing Spectrum internet, phone and cable TV packages for Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of package

Noun

Companies with low delivery volume, limited geographic reach or highly standardized shipment profiles often don't have enough network variability to justify the investment.

— Nishith Rastogi, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
This is important for healthcare companies because if a delay threatens a temperature-sensitive shipment, the package can be rerouted or returned to the sender before the medicine is compromised.

— Paulina Likos, CNBC, 27 July 2026

Definition of shipment

Noun

There were no revisions exceeding 100,000 bales among importing or exporting countries for 2026/27.

— SJ Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 28 July 2026
Insist on real-time visibility before automation, on plant-wide telemetry before line-level robots and on outcomes measured in recovered tons and bale quality—not in machine uptime.

— R. Paul Singh, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of bale

Browse Nearby Words

overlies

overload

overloaded

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Cite this Entry

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“Overload.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overload. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overload

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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