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
There are no flashy logos or overpowering buckles, giving the bag a restrained quality that lets the unique shape be the star.
—
Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson said the barrel program is carefully designed to support the whiskey through more than a decade of aging without overpowering the spirit.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Too much sweetness will overpower the bright citrus flavor, and too much tart throws off the creamy balance that makes Key lime pie so iconic.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Instead of overpowering the dish, the mustard gave it a savory flavor that balanced nicely with the creamy texture of the potatoes.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
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Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
Michter’s Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson said the barrel program is carefully designed to support the whiskey through more than a decade of aging without overpowering the spirit.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Too much sweetness will overpower the bright citrus flavor, and too much tart throws off the creamy balance that makes Key lime pie so iconic.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
Instead of overpowering the dish, the mustard gave it a savory flavor that balanced nicely with the creamy texture of the potatoes.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 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 5 Jun. 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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