overweight
38 synonyms and 5 antonyms for overweight, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Weighing more than is considered healthy for one's height and build.
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.
Antonyms
How to use overweight
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From over- + weight.
Full origin of overweight →Frequently asked questions
What does “overweight” mean?
The word “overweight” means weighing more than is considered healthy for one's height and build. In plain terms, carrying more weight than is considered healthy, or exceeding a set limit.
How do you pronounce “overweight”?
“Overweight” is pronounced oh-vuh-WAYT (/ˌoʊvɚˈweɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “overweight” in a sentence?
Here is “overweight” used in a sentence: “The doctor advised him to lose weight as he was overweight.”
What is another word for “overweight”?
Words with a similar meaning to “overweight” include ample, beer-bellied, big, bulky, chubby and chunky.
What is the opposite of “overweight”?
The opposite of “overweight” — its antonyms — are underweight, scrawny, slender, strapping and thin.
What part of speech is “overweight”?
“Overweight” is an adjective.
Is “overweight” a common word?
“Overweight” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “overweight” have?
“Overweight” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: weighing more than is considered healthy for one's height and build.
What is the difference between overweight and obese?
Overweight describes weighing more than is considered healthy for one's height and build, while obese refers to a more severe degree of excess weight, typically defined by a higher body mass index threshold. Overweight is generally the less severe of the two classifications.
What does overweight mean outside of body weight, such as luggage?
Overweight also describes anything, such as luggage or cargo, that weighs more than the allowed or legal limit, as in an overweight suitcase that incurs an airline fee.
Is overweight considered a polite or clinical term?
Overweight is generally regarded as a neutral, clinical term commonly used in medical and health contexts, though many people prefer more general phrasing when discussing body weight in casual conversation.