The term overflow refers to the condition in which a container, system, or area becomes too full, causing contents to spill over or exceed its capacity. This concept can apply to various contexts, including physical spaces, such as a cup overflowing with liquid, as well as abstract situations, such as emotions or data exceeding limits in computing. Overflow can lead to undesirable consequences, such as messiness, loss of control, or system failures, and is often a critical consideration in design and engineering. In computing, for example, overflow can occur when a calculation exceeds the maximum limit that can be stored in a variable, potentially leading to errors or crashes. Synonyms for “overflow” include spillage, excess, surplus, overrun, flood, outpouring, spillover, overabundance, overload, and surfeit. Each of these synonyms emphasizes different aspects of the concept of exceeding limits or capacity.
Sentences Using “Overflow”
- The bathtub began to overflow after someone forgot to turn off the faucet.
- During the heavy rain, the river’s banks were at risk of overflow.
- The data entry system experienced an overflow error when too many entries were submitted at once.
- She felt an overflow of emotions as she watched her child graduate.
- The overflow from the crowded event spilled into the adjacent park.
- The overflow of information on social media can be overwhelming at times.
- Engineers must design systems to prevent overflow in case of unexpected surges.
- The overflow of enthusiasm from the crowd was palpable during the concert.
- After the meeting, there was an overflow of ideas that needed to be organized.
- The overflow of resources allowed the charity to help even more families in need.
This exploration of the term “overflow” highlights its significance in discussions about capacity and limits, emphasizing its applications in various contexts, including physical spaces, emotional experiences, and technical systems.
Synonyms:
- Spill over
- Flood
- Overrun
- Burst
- Overwhelm
Antonyms:
- Empty
- Drain
- Deplete
- Reduce
Related Words:
- Excess
- Surplus
- Abundance
- Superfluity
Phrasal Verbs:
- Overflow with (to be filled with a large quantity of something)
- Overflow into (to extend beyond a boundary or limit)
- Overflow from (to come from a source and fill a space)
Idioms:
- Run over (to overflow or spill out)
- Inundate with (to overwhelm with a large quantity of something)
- Brim over (to fill to the point of overflowing)