overpower

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce overpower (audio)
Definition of overpowernext
1
as in to subdue
to bring under one's control by force of arms the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress overpowered by fear of the unknown

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overpower But his mental anguish is upsetting the balance of his cross-species DNA, first with paralyzing headaches and gradually with an internal battle as his arachnid side starts overpowering his human side. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 Tonal espresso and tan hues let the nude flower design take center stage without overpowering the design. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 26 July 2026 While Wells knew how to swim and swam regularly, Trascher said a strong rip current can overpower even an experienced swimmer, especially if panic, sun exposure or alcohol are factors. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 But at a time when the physical element of football is at risk of overpowering the technical side, a decent fix is playing matches in conditions where relentless sprinting simply isn’t possible. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower
  1. subdue
  2. overwhelm
  3. dominate
  4. overcome
  5. conquer
  6. devastate
  7. subject
  8. defeat
Verb
  • Consumer prices have likewise been subdued, with a slower-than-expected 1% rise in June from a year ago.
    — Matthew Tan,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Often, the review said, officers had to subdue aggressive dogs by the neck with a catch pole in order to load them onto patrol vehicles without ramps and walk them up to cages, a departure from industry standards.
    — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • That brightness will overwhelm many of the faint Delta Aquariid meteors, leaving only the brightest examples visible.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • This was often seen as a proxy for player skill, as more advanced players could better handle the cognitive rush of commanding dozens of units across multiple fronts, presumably leading to more effective play, eventually overwhelming the opponent.
    — Nnamdi Iregbulem, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Definition of overwhelm
Verb
  • Guest rooms maintain straight lines, dominated by the imposing headboard and neutral colors.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Penta dominated Gable with a barrage of offense, including a dive to the outside and a Made in Japan for a two count.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • Given that the Touch Bar is no more, this stumbling block was never satisfactorily overcome.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Reclaiming Progress Park required overcoming years of lived experience.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • The 42-year-old conquered the Via Alpina, which involves traversing a vast European alpine region stretching east to west from Italy, through Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and finally France and Monaco.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • In the eighteenth century, while Russia fixated on conquering Eurasia, Britain developed the steam engine; in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, while Europeans fought over Africa, Americans mastered the assembly line.
    — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • Venezuela now faces a multi-year recovery following the twin quakes which have left whole regions of the country devastated and caused an economic hit equivalent to 6% of the country’s GDP, according to the United Nations Development Programme.
    — Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Other major El Niño episodes brought crop failures, devastating peatland fires, and prolonged droughts.
    — Karryl Kim Sagun Trajano, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastate
Verb
  • Delta Upsilon was removed from KU’s campus in 2018 after fraternity members were found to have violated the student code by subjecting prospective members to sleep deprivation, physical violence and forced alcohol consumption.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
  • One of the victims told investigators Pinder and James subjected them to hazing, according to the warrant.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
Definition of subject
Verb
  • Without Toney, the Chiefs may not have defeated the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • After a topsy-turvy road trip in which the team split six games, the Braves defeated the Nationals again Friday night, 6-2.
    — Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

overpluses
overpower
overpowered
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Cite this Entry

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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