Illustration of overall
- overall 1b
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl 
1
: all over sense 1
the pattern used overall
2
: from one end to the other
600 feet long overall
3
a
: in view of all the circumstances or conditions
overall, the sale was a success
b
: as a whole : generally
doesn't do as well overall
overall and in most of its detail the film has remarkable power—
Time
Time
c
: with everyone or everything taken into account
was third overall in earnings
got 31 miles to the gallon overall
over·all
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
a
b
usually overalls
: trousers of strong material usually with a bib and shoulder straps
2
chiefly British
: a loose-fitting protective smock worn over regular clothing
over·all
ˌō-vər-ˈȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
ˈō-vər-ˌȯl
1
: including everything
2
: viewed as a whole : general
Synonyms
Examples of overall in a Sentence
Adverb
He made a few mistakes but did well overall.
Overall, the project was successful.
Adjective
your overall score after two rounds
His mistake didn't change my overall impression of him.
Your overall health is sound.
She likes the overall quality of the product.
The scratch didn't affect the car's overall appearance.
Recent Examples on the WebCarol Schram, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
Consider Using a Wire Rack For a quicker bake time and crispier finish overall, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch the grease) and then place a wire rack on top.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2024
Andrew Depietro, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
Milwaukee came in at 58th overall after ranking 31st-highest for percent change in average debt and third-lowest for average debt.
—Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2024
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2024
The root of the EWB moniker is derived from the fact that this Bentayga’s wheelbase is 7.1 inches longer than that of the standard Bentayga, reaching 125 inches, while the vehicle’s overall length is 208.9 inches.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overall 
Adverb
The 19-year-old center was drafted fourth overall in 2023 and also spent last season in the NCAA, skating for Boston College.
—Carol Schram, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024
Consider Using a Wire Rack For a quicker bake time and crispier finish overall, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch the grease) and then place a wire rack on top.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2024
Noun
Read on to find out what the richest city in Maryland is, plus the top 50 wealthiest cities in the state overall.
—Andrew Depietro, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024
Milwaukee came in at 58th overall after ranking 31st-highest for percent change in average debt and third-lowest for average debt.
—Maia Pandey, Journal Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2024
Adjective
In data going back to the 2018-19 school year, the percentage of high school students who reported overall high ratings for safety has been slowly declining: 62%, 61%, 69%, 61%, 59%, 58%.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2024
The root of the EWB moniker is derived from the fact that this Bentayga’s wheelbase is 7.1 inches longer than that of the standard Bentayga, reaching 125 inches, while the vehicle’s overall length is 208.9 inches.
—Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overall
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overall.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overall
Cite this Entry
“Overall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overall. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overall
1 of 2 adverb
over·all
ˌō-və-ˈrȯl
: as a whole : generally
we find your work satisfactory, overall
overall
2 of 2 adjectiveˌō-və-ˈrȯl,
ˈō-və-ˌrȯl
1
: including everything
overall expenses
2
: viewed as a whole : general
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