overpower

verb

over·​pow·​er ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce overpower (audio)
overpowered; overpowering; overpowers
Synonyms of overpowernext

transitive verb

1
: to overcome by superior force : subdue
2
: to affect with overwhelming intensity
the stench overpowered us
3
: to provide with more power than is needed or desirable
a dangerously overpowered car
overpoweringly adverb

Examples of overpower in a Sentence

She was able to overpower her attacker. The police overpowered the man and handcuffed him. The troops were overpowered by the stronger enemy forces. His personality overpowers everyone else's. The delicate taste of the wine was overpowered by the spiciness of the food.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eventually, Nomkhitha’s exhaustion and fury at having her home violated overpowered her fear. Literary Hub, 16 June 2026 The natural texture adds a relaxed, warm-weather vibe that pairs especially well with lightweight outfits like linen sets and sundresses without overpowering them. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026 Sosa, Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and Brandon Marsh each had three of Philadelphia's 17 hits — one night after the Phillies were limited to one as Milwaukee ace Jacob Misiorowski struck out 15 batters on 95 overpowering pitches in his first career shutout. ABC News, 13 June 2026 Terrorists could exploit drones, raising the need for ways to capture or shoot down rogue drones or overpower their control signals. Agamemnon Crassidis, The Conversation, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overpower

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpower was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpower. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

overpower

verb
over·​pow·​er ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce overpower (audio)
1
: to overcome by greater force : defeat
2
: overwhelm sense 2
overpowered by hunger
overpoweringly adverb

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