overflow

[oh-ver-floh, oh-ver-floh] / ˌoʊ vərˈfloʊ, ˈoʊ vərˌfloʊ /

NOUN

flood, inundation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deluge flash flood overabundance torrent

STRONG

Niagara advance cataclysm cataract congestion discharge encroachment enforcement engorgement excess exuberance flooding infringement overcrowding overkill overmuch overproduction plethora pour propulsion push redundancy spate spill spillover submergence submersion superfluity surfeit surplus

Antonyms

STRONG

discouragement insufficiency lack necessity need want

VERB

pour out, flood

Synonyms

STRONGEST

brim bubble over cascade deluge drain drown engulf gush inundate leak overrun pour run over soak spill spill over submerge swamp

STRONG

cover discharge irrupt issue jet overtop rush shed shower slop slosh spout spray spurt squirt surge water wave well wet whelm

WEAK

fall over overbrim well over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

dry underwhelm

STRONG

dehydrate hold keep

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And I think that free speech culture isn’t just an overflow of the First Amendment.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

“From the outset, DC Water’s highest priority was to safely and quickly contain the overflow and repair the damaged section of the Potomac Interceptor,” it said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Passing by on a random weeknight, one might see an overflow of patrons spilling onto Vermont Avenue, as the shop regularly hosts authors to discuss their new books.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Heavy rain in recent weeks caused sewage systems to overflow in crowded tent camps.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Despite the short notice, an overflow crowd was on hand, hoping that they would be the first to learn of a new inspiration.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

overflow

Example Sentences

Related Words