overkill
0 antonyms and opposites of overkill, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Far more force, effort, or resources than a situation actually calls for.
We haven't recorded synonyms for overkill yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use overkill
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Built from over- + kill, originally coined to describe Cold War nuclear stockpiles that vastly exceeded what was needed to destroy a target.
Full origin of overkill →Frequently asked questions
What does “overkill” mean?
The word “overkill” means far more force, effort, or resources than a situation actually calls for. In plain terms, doing or using way more than necessary.
How do you pronounce “overkill”?
“Overkill” is pronounced OH-vuh-kihl (/ˈoʊ.vɚˌkɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “overkill” in a sentence?
Here is “overkill” used in a sentence: “Bringing three lawyers to a parking dispute felt like overkill.”
What part of speech is “overkill”?
“Overkill” is a noun.
How many meanings does “overkill” have?
“Overkill” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: far more force, effort, or resources than a situation actually calls for.