as in dominating
the act or process of bringing someone or something under one's control
the overpowering of much of Europe by the Nazis during World War II
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in irresistible
Related Words
1
as in subduing
to bring under one's control by force of arms
the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overwhelming
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
overpowered by fear of the unknown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overpowering
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Chavarria was a cult designer at the time—an unsung name on the New York Fashion Week lineup that each season delivered a two-punch of a political statement and a singular sartorial proposition, both often related to his Chicano roots, even if at times the former overpowering the latter.
—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
23 Jan. 2026
Peppermint and chocolate are a classic combo, but sometimes the mint flavor can taste too artificial or overpowering in baked goods when using an extract, which this recipe forgoes in favor of the peppermint candies.
—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
26 Nov. 2025
Some people might find the scent overpowering.
—
Lisa Desantis,
Glamour,
18 Nov. 2025
Lamond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
The playful print isn’t too overpowering, yet it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and collect compliments) thanks to its flattering neckline and retro-inspired vibe.
—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Baby wipes or non-scented lotion will also fix an overpowering scent.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
The overpowering moral authority of wronged women, #MeToo’s skeptics alleged, would allow cynical wrongdoers to weaponize claims of victimhood for their own gain.
—
Moira Donegan,
New Yorker,
9 June 2026
No pitcher has been as overpowering as Garcia was under the lights.
—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
There was no overpowering onion, which drives me nuts in potato salad.
—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Apr. 2026
The Elden Ring sets are looking very real in a way that summons an overpowering urge to replay a game that takes 400 hours to get through.
—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
24 Apr. 2026
Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering.
—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
11 Apr. 2026
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
The overpowering scent of the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is meant to trick carrion beetles and flies to visit and pollinate the flowers.
—
Kassia Bonesteel,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
Footage emerged of hundreds of Norwegian fans chanting and rowing in the center of Times Square, somewhat overpowering a communal yoga class.
—
William Jones,
NPR,
25 June 2026
Plug-ins require frequent swapping and tend to burn through oil unevenly, meaning one room is overpowering while another has gone flat.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
Pickled Fresnos punch up the dish with a nice bit of briney tang that’s followed by a warming spice that isn’t overpowering but keeps you coming back for more.
—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
From airy mesh fabrics to sleek, low-profile shapes, this season’s trending shoes have a way of elevating an outfit without overpowering it.
—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
21 June 2026
The Prisoner’s Share was first released in 2022, and shows how an artful red wine finish can be achieved without overpowering the whiskey with fruit and tannic notes.
—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
While Sale is a hard thrower and Kershaw also had outstanding velocity early in his career, Wainwright and Greinke succeeded without overpowering fastballs.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
Noun
In Michigan’s overpowering run in this tournament, Mara was everywhere.
—
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Chavarria was a cult designer at the time—an unsung name on the New York Fashion Week lineup that each season delivered a two-punch of a political statement and a singular sartorial proposition, both often related to his Chicano roots, even if at times the former overpowering the latter.
—
José Criales-Unzueta,
Vanity Fair,
23 Jan. 2026
Peppermint and chocolate are a classic combo, but sometimes the mint flavor can taste too artificial or overpowering in baked goods when using an extract, which this recipe forgoes in favor of the peppermint candies.
—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
26 Nov. 2025
Some people might find the scent overpowering.
—
Lisa Desantis,
Glamour,
18 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Reliever Grant Taylor pitched two overpowering innings, striking out four while picking up the victory.
—
Lamond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
28 June 2026
The playful print isn’t too overpowering, yet it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and collect compliments) thanks to its flattering neckline and retro-inspired vibe.
—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Baby wipes or non-scented lotion will also fix an overpowering scent.
—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
10 June 2026
The overpowering moral authority of wronged women, #MeToo’s skeptics alleged, would allow cynical wrongdoers to weaponize claims of victimhood for their own gain.
—
Moira Donegan,
New Yorker,
9 June 2026
No pitcher has been as overpowering as Garcia was under the lights.
—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
There was no overpowering onion, which drives me nuts in potato salad.
—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
27 Apr. 2026
The Elden Ring sets are looking very real in a way that summons an overpowering urge to replay a game that takes 400 hours to get through.
—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
24 Apr. 2026
Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering.
—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
Tory Burch Sublime Shimmer Ideal for weddings, summer parties and evening dinners, adding subtle luminosity without overpowering your look.
—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
The overpowering scent of the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is meant to trick carrion beetles and flies to visit and pollinate the flowers.
—
Kassia Bonesteel,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
Footage emerged of hundreds of Norwegian fans chanting and rowing in the center of Times Square, somewhat overpowering a communal yoga class.
—
William Jones,
NPR,
25 June 2026
Plug-ins require frequent swapping and tend to burn through oil unevenly, meaning one room is overpowering while another has gone flat.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
24 June 2026
Pickled Fresnos punch up the dish with a nice bit of briney tang that’s followed by a warming spice that isn’t overpowering but keeps you coming back for more.
—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
From airy mesh fabrics to sleek, low-profile shapes, this season’s trending shoes have a way of elevating an outfit without overpowering it.
—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
21 June 2026
The Prisoner’s Share was first released in 2022, and shows how an artful red wine finish can be achieved without overpowering the whiskey with fruit and tannic notes.
—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
While Sale is a hard thrower and Kershaw also had outstanding velocity early in his career, Wainwright and Greinke succeeded without overpowering fastballs.
—
ABC News,
18 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
After Kylian Mbappé's dominating performance against Sweden on Tuesday, France secured its place in Philadelphia's Round of 16 match on the Fourth of July.
-
Díaz’s dominating force in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations won him the tournament’s golden boot and secured Morocco’s place in the final.
Adjective
-
This one-of-a-kind dessert combines the best parts of banana pudding and banana cake into one irresistible layered treat.
-
When a puzzle presents itself, the instinct to resolve it can become nearly irresistible.
Verb
-
Viewers have already seen glimpses of the premiere, which involves Aang and Katara subduing a sea serpent while guiding refugees across a treacherous path.
-
Officers then shot her with a Taser, subduing her enough to take her into custody, police said.
Verb
-
Nieuw Bergen presents an innovative and attractive approach to inner-city housing, demonstrating how housing developments can be introduced without overwhelming the character of an existing neighborhood.
-
The best caftans feel lightweight and roomy without overwhelming your frame.
Noun
-
One showed Thomas on a mountaintop, swinging shirtless from a summit cross at the moment of conquest.
-
But a sprawling 1,000-year-old site unearthed in Denmark shifts the focus from raids and conquests to a far tamer pursuit — the textile production that likely made those expeditions possible.
Adjective
-
The atmosphere is infectious, attracting a discerning international crowd, yacht enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and travelers who are seeking a blend of luxury and authenticity.
-
Vibrant animation, infectious energy, and a killer soundtrack make this a future cult favorite.
Verb
-
After not allowing any home runs in back-to-back starts against the Colorado Rockies, even conquering Coors Field’s hitter-friendly park, Imanaga surrendered three in Wednesday’s Game 2 win over the New York Mets.
-
Olivia Rodrigo Finally Hits the Downloads Chart’s Summit Rodrigo has come very close to conquering the Official Album Downloads chart in the past, but her first two studio LPs missed the throne by just one space.
Verb
-
The co-writer thing was a total disaster, devastating on every level.
-
One week after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, relief efforts in South Florida continue at a steady pace.
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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