Another word for overall
The best other words for overall are whole, largely, coveralls and general.
- Most formal
- global, comprehensive, broadly
- Strongest
- comprehensive, total, whole
- Casual
- whole, mostly, all in all
- Instead of “overall, I think”
- altogether, generally, mostly
Overall /ˌoʊvərˈɔl/ (adjective, adverb, noun): Considering everything together, without focusing on individual details. In simple words: including everything; also a protective one-piece work outfit. Below are 18 rated synonyms across 3 senses, plus 31 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
18 synonyms shown
General summary · adjective
relating to the whole picture
In general · adverb
when considering all factors together
Protective wear · noun
a one-piece protective garment worn over clothes
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- general — broader and less exact
- broad — emphasizes wide scope rather than detail
- whole — plain and concrete, less abstract
The dashed ring marks “overall” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for overall in your sentence
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How to choose
Use overall when you want a neutral summary that does not overstate certainty. For formal writing, phrases like broadly or on the whole are often smoother in prose, while overall can sound best at the start or end of a sentence.
Antonyms of overall
- in part
- partly
- particular
- specific
- partial
- fragmentary
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| general | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| broad | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| global | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| comprehensive | 4/5 | formal | academic, business |
| whole | 3/5 | casual | casual, business |
| total | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| generally | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| broadly | 2/5 | formal | academic, business |
| largely | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| mostly | 3/5 | casual | casual, business |
| on the whole | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| all in all | 3/5 | casual | casual, creative, business |
| by and large | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| coveralls | 3/5 | neutral | business, casual |
| boilersuit | 3/5 | neutral | business, casual |
| work clothes | 2/5 | casual | casual, business |
| workwear | 2/5 | neutral | business, academic, casual |
| jumpsuit | 2/5 | neutral | casual, creative, business |
Instead of “very overall”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| overall, I think | altogether, generally, mostly |
| overall result | total, net, combined |
| overall impression | general, total, main |
More words related to overall
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “overall”.
- all things considered
- altogether
- in summary
- in all
- all told
- taken together
- collectively
- as a whole
- as a rule
- for the most part
- usually
- typically
- usually speaking
- in most cases
- more or less
- roughly
- approximately
- inclusive
- embracing
- all-inclusive
- complete
- entire
- entirety
- full
- top-to-bottom
- one-piece
- workaday
- protective clothing
- factory clothes
- mechanic's outfit
- utility garment
Questions about synonyms for overall
What is a more formal or academic alternative to overall?
Broadly is often a good formal substitute in analytical writing, and on the whole also works well in measured prose. If you need something more exact and comprehensive, choose comprehensive or global depending on context.
What is a milder alternative to overall?
Generally is milder because it allows exceptions more openly than overall. Broadly and mostly can also soften the claim, especially when you want to avoid sounding too absolute.
Can overall be used as a noun?
Yes, overall can be a noun meaning a one-piece protective garment worn over clothes. In that sense, coveralls and boilersuit are the closest common alternatives.
What is another word for overall in a summary or conclusion?
Common choices include altogether, in summary, and all told. In writing, people also use taken together or as a whole when they want to show a final judgment about all the facts.
What is a simpler way to say overall?
A simple replacement is generally or mostly, depending on the sentence. If you mean the final result, all in all or in total may fit better.