English Reference
adverb

overwhelmingly

adv.
US /ˌoʊvɝˈwɛɫmɪŋɫi/ UK /ˌəʊvəwˈɛlmɪŋli/ over·whelm·ing·ly

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to say that almost everyone or everything in a group is the same.

    predominantly or by a vast majority; used to describe a result or opinion that is nearly universal.

    Simple

    The local community voted overwhelmingly in favour of the new park.

    In context

    Despite the controversial nature of the proposal, the board voted overwhelmingly to approve the merger during the final session.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that is very powerful or feels like too much to handle.

    to an intense or irresistible degree; used to describe emotions or physical forces that are difficult to oppose.

    Simple

    The smell of the flowers in the small room was overwhelmingly sweet.

    In context

    The evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelmingly convincing, leaving the defence with very few options for appeal.

Usage overwhelmingly white

Mann may not convince you of supernatural powers but she overwhelmingly proves the power of storytelling.

The Guardian· 26 Aug 2026

But are they overwhelmingly from the middle class, as Brown argues in his new book?

The Guardian· 9 Aug 2026

From overwhelming + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated