overbearing

adjective
over·​bear·​ing | \ ˌō-vər-ˈber-iŋ How to pronounce overbearing (audio) \

Definition of overbearing

1a : tending to overwhelm : overpowering had to deal with his overbearing mother
b : decisively important : dominant didn't think it was the overbearing consideration here— J. S. Cooper
2 : harshly and haughtily arrogant the mayor's overbearing manner of dealing with employees

Other Words from overbearing

overbearingly \ ˌō-​vər-​ˈber-​iŋ-​lē How to pronounce overbearing (audio) \ adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for overbearing

proud, arrogant, haughty, lordly, insolent, overbearing, supercilious, disdainful mean showing scorn for inferiors. proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness. too proud to take charity arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted. a conceited and arrogant executive haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position. a haughty aristocrat lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power. a lordly condescension insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness. ignored by an insolent waiter overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence. an overbearing supervisor supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness. an aloof and supercilious manner disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness. disdainful of their social inferiors

Examples of overbearing in a Sentence

He had to deal with his overbearing mother. Her husband's overbearing manner made her miserable.
Recent Examples on the Web Social media, of course, is so much to blame for this quick, loud, overbearing reaction now in the world to virtually anything. Michael Schneider, Variety, 18 Aug. 2022 The young woman must care for her ailing father amid the overbearing scrutiny of her devout mother. Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 July 2022 The show highlights their extravagant lifestyle, Todd’s strict work ethic and his overbearing parenting style. Jaclyn Peiser, Washington Post, 8 June 2022 The end result is pop gem that puts at the forefront Reik’s romanticism, the type that isn’t overbearing, and Sech’s raw and honest poetry that give life to this exchange of verses between two heartbroken men. Billboard Staff, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2022 Adapted from Stephen King's novel of the same name, Sissy Spacek plays the titular character, an awkward teenager with secret telekinetic abilities and an overbearing religious mother. Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 25 Aug. 2022 This striped option adds energy to the space without being too overbearing. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 15 Aug. 2022 In her memoir, the former child star is unflinchingly honest about her toxic relationship with her overbearing stage mother. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2022 The result is a filet that's moist inside with a thin, slightly crispy outer coating that isn't overbearing. Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 31 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overbearing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of overbearing

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Time Traveler for overbearing

Time Traveler

The first known use of overbearing was in 1614

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Dictionary Entries Near overbearing

overbearance

overbearing

overbearingness

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Statistics for overbearing

Last Updated

4 Oct 2022

Cite this Entry

“Overbearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbearing. Accessed 11 Oct. 2022.

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More Definitions for overbearing

overbearing

adjective
over·​bear·​ing | \ ˌō-vər-ˈber-iŋ \

Kids Definition of overbearing

: acting in a proud or bossy way toward other people

More from Merriam-Webster on overbearing

Nglish: Translation of overbearing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of overbearing for Arabic Speakers

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