overpower
verb
over·pow·er
ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r 
overpowered; overpowering; overpowers
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
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
Coffee is particularly simpatico in chocolate recipes, where the coffee’s bitterness rounds out the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can add depth without overpowering the chocolate, while a very light pinch of chili introduces gentle heat and complexity.
—Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Livingston's team even looked for the spectral features of these outflows from the planets, but their signal is overpowered by the strong stellar winds.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Miami Herald’s archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
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The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can add depth without overpowering the chocolate, while a very light pinch of chili introduces gentle heat and complexity.
—Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Livingston's team even looked for the spectral features of these outflows from the planets, but their signal is overpowered by the strong stellar winds.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Miami Herald’s archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Cite this Entry
“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpower. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overpower
verb
over·pow·er
ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r
1
: to overcome by greater force : defeat
2
: overwhelm sense 2
overpowered by hunger
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