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

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

Following the shooting, cryptic posts were unearthed from Ortiz's social media channels and provided an eye-opening look at overbearing celebrity fans. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 Mar. 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