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
Synonyms
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
Yearwood’s vocal is pristine as always, never overpowering a lyric but collecting every nuance on this gorgeous song.
—
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 15 Apr. 2024
Runways including Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Ulla Johnson, and more have brought us statement bag trends to try that won’t overpower an outfit.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024
Your Questions, Answered What helps kids with stinky feet?
To prevent overpowering foot odors, kids should wash and dry their feet thoroughly every day, says Dr. Schlitt.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 28 Mar. 2024
However, cut off the list at some point so that your own opinion doesn't get overpowered.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024
This scent is long lasting, but not to overpowering.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Clark managed 21 points, but the Huskies overpowered Iowa 92-72 en route to their 13th consecutive Final Four.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 2 Apr. 2024
Their two best pitchers this spring have been Hicks, overpowering hitters for 28 strikeouts in 17 innings, and Harrison, who appears to have finally harnessed his changeup, giving him a reliable third pitch.
3.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2024
Green garlic is another cause for celebration, with its distinct, fresh character that’s pungent but not overpowering.
—David Tanis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2024
Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 15 Apr. 2024
Runways including Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Ulla Johnson, and more have brought us statement bag trends to try that won’t overpower an outfit.
—Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024
Your Questions, Answered What helps kids with stinky feet?
To prevent overpowering foot odors, kids should wash and dry their feet thoroughly every day, says Dr. Schlitt.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 28 Mar. 2024
However, cut off the list at some point so that your own opinion doesn't get overpowered.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2024
This scent is long lasting, but not to overpowering.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
Clark managed 21 points, but the Huskies overpowered Iowa 92-72 en route to their 13th consecutive Final Four.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 2 Apr. 2024
Their two best pitchers this spring have been Hicks, overpowering hitters for 28 strikeouts in 17 innings, and Harrison, who appears to have finally harnessed his changeup, giving him a reliable third pitch.
3.
—Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2024
Green garlic is another cause for celebration, with its distinct, fresh character that’s pungent but not overpowering.
—David Tanis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overpower.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near overpower
Cite this Entry
“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpower. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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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