How to Pronounce Overwhelming

To pronounce "overwhelming", say OV-erwh-elm-ing — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

overwhelming

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Accent

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4

Syllables

12

Letters

/ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “overwhelming”

"overwhelming" has 4 syllables: ov-erwh-elm-ing. It rhymes with whelming and helming, if that helps it stick.

What does overwhelming mean?

verb

  1. To engulf, surge over and submerge.

    “The dinghy was overwhelmed by the great wave.”

  2. To overpower, crush.

    “In December 1939 the Soviet Union attacked Finland with overwhelming force.”

noun

  1. A situation of being overwhelmed.

adjective

  1. Overpowering, staggering, or irresistibly strong.
  2. Very great or intense.

Synonyms

swamp

Antonyms

underwhelmunderwhelming

Words that rhyme with overwhelming

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

whelminghelming

Related words

overpoweringintenseconsumingirresistibleresistlessstrongstaggeringexcessive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "overwhelming"?▾

"Overwhelming" has 4 syllables: ov · erwh · elm · ing.

What is the IPA transcription of "overwhelming"?▾

The IPA transcription of "overwhelming" is /ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ/.

What does "overwhelming" mean?▾

Overwhelming: To engulf, surge over and submerge.

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