1
as in general
belonging or relating to the whole
the overall view seems to be that we're doing fine economically
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in broad
relating to the main elements and not to specific details
there's an overall similarity in the looks of the models for that chain of clothing stores
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people
the overall mind-set among the people in our town seems to be that any increase in taxes is bad
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in collectively
with everyone or everything taken into account at the same time
reduce the budget overall by 15 percent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mostly
for the most part
overall, this is a good speech, but it could use a little humor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overall
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Out of five types of exercise, resistance training ranks highest in improving overall brain health.
—Marisa McMillan, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
There were unexpectedly funny moments — and there’s no denying that Reinemer, Kessler and Hall have natural charm, but overall this was more frantic than fulfilling.
—Matthew J. Palm, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overall
Adjective
Fewer homes on the market means fewer sales overall.
—Adverb
While prices for certain imports like beef, coffee and tomatoes increased significantly last year, price hikes overall were little changed.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for overall
Adjective
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After setting a new standard for the organization in 2025, general manager Dan Morgan, head coach Dave Canales and their respective staffs need to raise the bar even higher.—
-
Daniel McFadin is a general assignment reporter who has been with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since October 2022.—
Adjective
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The aim is to dig into general themes rather than specific transfers that are currently ongoing to give a broad picture of as many elements as possible.—
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The listing, which could be the largest IPO on record, underscores a broader shift.—
Adjective
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The monthly stochastic oscillator remains in overbought territory ( > 80%), underscoring the strength of the prevailing bullish trend rather than signaling exhaustion.—
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As municipal pools became mixed-gender in the 1920s and ’30s, swimming naked no longer fit prevailing notions of decency.—
Adverb
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Six smaller buildings were later constructed on the property, and the structures collectively became the Hollywood Center Motel, which opened in 1956, according to the monument application.—
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On Tuesday, leaders from major European powers expressed support for Denmark and Greenland, adding that Arctic security must be upheld collectively with NATO allies, including the US.—
Adverb
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Minnesota is also reeling from the ongoing billion-dollar fraud scandal, in which federal prosecutors say nearly 100 suspects, mostly immigrants from Somalia, stole taxpayer money by billing the state for nutrition, housing and behavioral health services that never actually happened.—
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For those who go above their hours, Garden City paid out $305,000 in overtime in 2025, mostly for public works and law enforcement employees.—
Adjective
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There’s a generic quality both to singer-songwriter Michaelson’s score (a combination of folk and Broadway pop) and to a romance that seems almost mystically predestined.—
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These elements cannot be captured through a generic governance rubric.—
Adjective
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There are other examples of lawmakers leaving public office for lobbying roles, but keeping their accounts open and spending from them.—
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The state Department of Education controls public education, under the leadership of the governor and the Legislature.—
Adverb
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Carthen arrived on the red carpet on January 11 wearing emerald green Christian Siriano, which showed off every curve, and generally stopped all viewers right in their tracks.—
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There aren’t many orchestra conductors in Charlotte generally.—
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overall. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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