overflow
10 synonyms for overflow, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Liquid or material that spills over because there is too much of it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Liquid or material that spills over because there is too much of it.
“The overflow from the bathtub soaked the bathroom floor.”
2. verb
To spill over the edge or limit of something.
“The river overflowed its banks after days of heavy rain.”
How to use overflow
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
overflow pipe
river overflow
overflow with
Etymology
From Old English oferflōwan, from over- + flow.
Full origin of overflow →Frequently asked questions
What does “overflow” mean?
The word “overflow” means liquid or material that spills over because there is too much of it. In plain terms, to spill past the normal limit, or the excess that spills over.
How do you pronounce “overflow”?
“Overflow” is pronounced OH-vuh-floh (/ˈəʊvəˌfləʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “overflow” in a sentence?
Here is “overflow” used in a sentence: “The overflow from the bathtub soaked the bathroom floor.”
What part of speech is “overflow”?
Depending on how it is used, “overflow” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “overflow” come from?
The word “overflow” comes from Old English. From Old English oferflōwan, from over- + flow.
Is “overflow” a common word?
“Overflow” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “overflow” have?
“Overflow” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: liquid or material that spills over because there is too much of it.
