OVER-POWER Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

overpower

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r

Definition of overpower

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

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 Fils overpowered Tiafoe early in the first set on Sunday, winning 12 of 13 points to take a 3-0 lead. — Jeff Wallner, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 According to Hannett, the use of bourbon casks doesn’t overpower the complexity that the barley is supposed to bring to the whisky. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 The ground beef and split pea tomato sauce draped over top is rich without overpowering the buttery leeks. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 Tender cuts of meat, spicy cucumber salads, and lobster mac and cheese are rich but not overpowering, satisfying but not overly filling, and beautifully presented. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overpower

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower

Verb

Called Defendu, the fighting technique with the knife was a combination of fierce aggression, speed, and strength to subdue an opponent as quickly as possible.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
When police officers in Oklahoma admitted to using electro-shock gloves to subdue two students over the 2025-2026 school year, the community was rightfully outraged.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

But the speed and scale of investment could also overwhelm the institutions needed to manage it.

— Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
Ukraine possesses substantial counter-drone equipment, but the sheer volume of FPVs has the potential to overwhelm kinetic defenses.

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of overwhelm

Verb

The crude market remains dominated by state producers, major energy companies, commodity merchants and large industrial consumers whose activity dwarfs that of individual traders.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
All-white kitchens, another style that uses one color to dominate a room, came in at number four for the most controversial decor trend.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of dominate

Verb

The Tar Heels’ ability to overcome some sloppiness — and, yes, take advantage of a slew of TCU mistakes — was a positive intangible sign after Belichick’s brutal debut season and offseason.

— Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
But to overcome 30 years of Republican dominance, Talarico needs votes from everywhere.

— Eleanor Dearman Updated August 29, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of overcome

Verb

Then again, Bentley still knows a thing or two about racing, most recently conquering the challenging and prestigious Bathurst 12 Hours race in 2020 with a GT3 version of the Continental GT3.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
The ancient creature’s paddle-like abdominal limbs provide direct fossil evidence that insects conquered land through a prolonged semi-aquatic phase rather than an abrupt transition.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of conquer

Verb

Rescue crews and foreign specialists are racing to find scores of workers feared trapped alive inside hydropower tunnels in Nepal, after thick mud buried the facilities during last week’s devastating flash floods.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026
Travelers hoping to visit the Grand Canyon in coming days may want to adjust their plans after devastating flash flooding that has left at least two people dead and more than a dozen others missing.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of devastate

Verb

Meta may end up subjecting its users, regardless of age, to age verification practices that may include requiring a government ID and biometric scans.

— Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 2 Sep. 2026
But leaving a stone or steel in the bottom of your oven could subject it to unintentional splatters and spills.

— Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of subject

Verb

Taylor pitched a career-high 2 2/3 scoreless relief innings and was credited with the win as the Sox defeated the Twins 7-4 in front of 28,140.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
The Senate Leadership Fund, a political committee controlled by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has committed to spending $44 million in Georgia in hopes of defeating Ossoff.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

overpluses

overpower

overpowered

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“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overpower

verb

Example Sentences

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