How to Pronounce Overkill

To pronounce "overkill", say OV-erk-ill — 3 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

overkill

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

OV-erk-ill

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💡 Tip for remembering “overkill”

"overkill" has 3 syllables: ov-erk-ill. It rhymes with shrill and thrill, if that helps it stick.

What does overkill mean?

noun

  1. A destructive capacity that exceeds that needed to destroy an enemy; especially with nuclear weapons.
  2. (by extension) An unnecessary excess of whatever is needed to achieve a goal.

    “24 hours of TV coverage of the US election verged on overkill.”

verb

  1. To destroy something with more (nuclear) force than is required.
  2. To dispose of too many items because of too high criteria of inspection.

Antonyms

underkill

Hear “overkill” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with overkill

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

shrillthrillkrilltrillskillillinstillbrillbastillemilltillswill

Related words

overdoneoverreactionoverblownexaggeratedundueexcessiveinordinateescalation

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "overkill"?▾

"Overkill" has 3 syllables: ov · erk · ill.

What does "overkill" mean?▾

Overkill: A destructive capacity that exceeds that needed to destroy an enemy; especially with nuclear weapons.

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