overbear

verb

over·​bear ˌō-vər-ˈber 

overbore ˌō-vər-ˈbȯr  ; overborne ˌō-vər-ˈbȯrn  also overborn ˌō-vər-ˈbȯrn  ; overbearing

transitive verb

1

: to bring down by superior weight or force : overwhelm

2

a

: to domineer over

Robin tries to keep quiet. He cannot overbear her …

—A. S. Byatt

b

: to surpass in importance or cogency : outweigh

Synonyms of overbear

• overcome
• defeat
• master
• worst
• take
• best
• beat
• conquer
• subdue
• get
• stop

Examples of overbear in a Sentence

that year the football team simply overbore opponent after opponent with steamroller ruthlessness

Recent Examples on the Web

Where most conversations are half-silent, important figures in Rimbaud’s life are embodied by musical instruments, ranging from overbearing tubas to melodic strings, depending on who’s speaking and their place in the story. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 June 2026

His commentary during challenges has gone from nonexistent to essential to overbearing. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026

Content-forward, but not overbearing Companies that make streaming dongles and smart TVs have long pushed the idea of content-forward user interfaces. —Janko Roettgers, The Verge, 28 May 2026

Adaptive cruise assist, lane guidance, traffic sign recognition, top-view camera system, and exit warning all function as quiet co-pilots rather than overbearing supervisors. —Chris Jackson, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overbear

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware

Kids Definition

overbear

verb

over·​bear ˌō-vər-ˈba(ə)r 

-ˈbe(ə)r

overbore -ˈbō(ə)r 

-ˈbȯ(ə)r

; overborne -ˈbō(ə)rn 

-ˈbȯ(ə)rn

also overborn -ˈbȯ(ə)rn  ; overbearing

1

: to bring down by a stronger weight or force : overpower

2

: to exceed in importance or forcefulness : outweigh