OVERQUALIFIED Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

overqualified

adjective

Definition of overqualified

as in skilled

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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 overqualified Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound At this time in 2025, the Dodgers deployed the most overqualified opener of all time. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Others shared similar impressions of a cutthroat job market, in which a glut of overqualified candidates are competing for junior and mid-level software engineering jobs. — Joel Khalili, Wired News, 28 May 2026 Social media is rife with frustrated job seekers submitting hundreds of applications with no callbacks and overqualified candidates desperately throwing resumes at entry-level positions. — Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, overqualified singers like Ravyn Lenae, Mustafa, and Omar Apollo do some of the background vocal riffs that Harlow’s limited range won’t reach. — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overqualified

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overqualified

Adjective

Analyzing a potential legal challenge The prospect of a trans woman who is skilled enough at basketball to play in the WNBA and who seeks employment in the WNBA is uncertain and, for now, speculative.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026
PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer found that AI-skilled workers earned a 56% average wage premium in 2024 and that required skills are changing 66% faster in roles most exposed to AI.

— Daniel Gumucio, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of skilled

Adjective

Statistics, Charts, and Graphs Kelly Phillips Erb Investment in qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) property has risen sharply since the program’s early years.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
During the pandemic, the Small Business Administration offered loans to qualified business that were suffering financial losses.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

MongoDB is more adept at handling larger troves of data versus its rival, and its system is easier to use for builders, per Bank of America.

— Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
That came in 2014-15, in a year where the richest opportunistically pilfered a couple of less wealthy clubs who had shown themselves highly adept at scouting and youth development.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of adept

Adjective

According to the district's website, only 8% of sixth through eighth graders are proficient in math.

— Kellye Lynn, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
In 2024, the National Assessment of Educational Performance reported that 33% of fourth-graders read below basic, 28% at basic and only 39% at proficient or advanced levels.

— Jose Cruz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of proficient

Adjective

Silva asserted that most experienced creators who hone their focus on key brands and franchises know how to plug themselves in to the company’s priorities.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
That has included adding experienced players, creating opportunities for younger talent and making difficult decisions on players who no longer fit the organization’s longer term plans ahead of the trade deadline.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of experienced

Adjective

Other negotiators described him as highly competent with a command of the details.

— Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Starring opposite Steve Carell in a big-screen reboot of the 1960s TV series, Hathaway plays Agent 99, a highly competent superspy paired with… well, the admittedly less competent but extraordinarily lucky Maxwell Smart (Carell).

— Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

The Mets went from having a deep group of veteran relievers with high-leverage experience to a back-end group largely made up of journeyman arms.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026
Dodson has provided solid veteran leadership over the past two seasons as the green-dot guy for then-Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of veteran

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overprotective

overqualified

overran

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“Overqualified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overqualified. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of overqualified

adjective

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