crossword clue overwhelm – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "overwhelm" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzle-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue overwhelm" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BURY: To cover completely, often implying being hidden by a large amount of something, such as work or emotion.
5 Letters
SWAMP: To cover with a large quantity of something, making it difficult to cope; to engulf.
FLOOD: To fill or cover with a large amount of water or, metaphorically, an excessive quantity of something.
6 Letters
DELUGE: To inundate with a great quantity of something, resembling a flood.
ENGULF: To completely surround or immerse someone or something, often in a liquid or a feeling.
BURDEN: To load heavily with responsibilities or difficulties, causing distress.
7 Letters
OVERRUN: To spread over or occupy excessively, often causing problems; to infest.
8 Letters
INUNDATE: To overwhelm with things or people to be dealt with; to flood with a large amount of something.
SUBMERGE: To cause to be under water; to completely cover or immerse.
9 Letters
OVERPOWER: To defeat or overcome with superior strength; to affect strongly or master fully.
SNOWUNDER: (Idiomatic) To be completely overwhelmed with a large amount of tasks, work, or information.
More About "crossword clue overwhelm"
"Overwhelm" is a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing in various contexts. It can describe a physical inundation, like a flood of water, or a metaphorical one, such as an overwhelming amount of work or emotion. This clue challenges solvers to think about synonyms that convey a sense of being completely covered, defeated, or deluged.
The answers can range from literal interpretations of being covered, like 'bury' or 'submerge,' to more abstract concepts of being burdened or overpowered. Crossword constructors love this clue because it allows for a wide range of synonyms depending on the number of letters available and the specific nuance they wish to convey.
Understanding the different facets of "overwhelm" – from its literal meaning of being covered by water to its figurative sense of being emotionally or physically burdened – is key to cracking these clues. Always consider the context provided by other words in the puzzle or the clue's phrasing itself.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your biggest hint. If the clue is "overwhelm" and you need a 5-letter word, 'SWAMP' or 'FLOOD' are strong candidates. For a 9-letter word, 'OVERPOWER' or 'SNOWUNDER' become possibilities.
- Consider Nuances: Think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Is the clue implying a natural disaster (DELUGE), a heavy workload (SWAMP), or a strong emotional impact (OVERPOWER)? This can guide you to the precise answer.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Letters from intersecting words can quickly narrow down the possibilities. If you have a few letters already filled in, test potential answers against them.
- Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, "overwhelm" might lead to an idiomatic answer like 'SNOWUNDER'. Keep an eye out for clues that hint at non-literal expressions.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'overwhelm' typically mean in a crossword clue?
'Overwhelm' in crosswords often refers to being inundated, swamped, or deluged with a large quantity of something, such as work, emotions, or even water. It can also imply being overpowered or defeated.
Are there common synonyms for 'overwhelm' that frequently appear in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include SWAMP, FLOOD, DELUGE, ENGULF, INUNDATE, OVERPOWER, OVERRUN, BURY, and sometimes even idiomatic phrases like SNOWUNDER.
How can I approach a crossword clue like 'overwhelm' if I'm stuck?
Consider the number of letters required. Think about different contexts: is it about water (FLOOD, DELUGE), an emotional state (OVERPOWER), or a large amount of tasks (SWAMP, INUNDATE)? Check surrounding letters if you have any already filled in.