“Overall” is a versatile word in English that can function as an adjective or adverb, depending on its use in a sentence. When used as an adjective, “overall” describes something comprehensive or general, encompassing everything and everyone in a particular group. As an adverb, “overall” is used to indicate that a statement applies in general.
“Overall”– Meaning
The word “overall” is an adjective and adverb that indicates a comprehensive view or summary of a situation or topic, including all key parts or elements. It can also refer to a single piece of clothing that covers the torso and the legs, commonly worn for protection or work. Another word for overall is in general or comprehensive. However, more synonyms will be stated in the following article.
On our overview page for synonyms, you can find the best options of synonyms for a vast variety of words that are used in academic writing.
“Overall” – General synonyms
The word “overall” can be used in various ways and has numerous meanings. In the following subheadings, these will be presented in a detailed list.
“Overall” in the sense of total
Synonyms of the word overall in the sense of total will be listed below.
- All-embracing
- Blanket
- Broad
- Common
- Complete
- Comprehensive
- Current
- Entire
- Full
- General
- Generic
- Global
- Gross
- Inclusive
- Long-range
- Long-term
- Overarching
- Popular
- Predominant
- Prevailing
- Public
- Total
- Unanimous
- Whole
“Overall” in the sense of in general
Synonyms of the word overall in the sense of in general will be listed below.
- All-embracing
- Blanket
- Broad
- Common
- Complete
- Comprehensive
- Current
- Entire
- Full
- General
- Generic
- Global
- Gross
- Inclusive
- Long-range
- Long-term
- Overarching
- Popular
- Predominant
- Prevailing
- Public
- Total
- Unanimous
- Whole
“Overall” – Synonyms used in academic writing
In academic writing, “overall” can be used to indicate a comprehensive summary or view of a topic or situation, or to describe a comprehensive review of the literature or research on a topic. Synonyms for overall that can be used for an academic piece of writing include “comprehensive,” “holistic,” and “in general.”
| “Dangerous” Synonyms | Examples |
| Comprehensive | The research provides an overall overview of the literature on the topic. |
| The research provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the topic. | |
| Holistic | An overall approach to studying is necessary to fully understand it. |
| A holistic approach to studying is necessary to fully understand it. | |
| In general | Overall, the results of the experiment support the hypothesis |
| In general, the results of the experiment support the hypothesis |
