Synonyms of overpower

overpower

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r 

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

• subdue
• dominate
• conquer
• subject
• defeat
• overcome
• subjugate
• vanquish
• enslave
• subordinate
• reduce
• pacify
• crush
• beat
• annihilate
• suppress
• smash
• quell
• lick
• prevail (over)
• whip
• triumph (over)
• rout
• mow (down)
• trounce
• smother
• quash
• repress
• thrash
• clobber
• squelch
• silence
• drub
• wallop
• squash
• crack down (on)
• put down
• skunk
• snuff (out)
• break
• clamp down (on)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberate
• emancipate
• free
• discharge
• unbind
• release
• enfranchise
• spring
• manumit
• unchain
• unfetter
• uncage

2

as in to overwhelm

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress

overpowered by fear of the unknown

Synonyms & Similar Words

• overwhelm
• overcome
• devastate
• oppress
• crush
• disturb
• grind (down)
• floor
• swamp
• drown
• overmaster
• whelm
• prostrate
• rock
• snow under
• defeat
• shatter
• upset
• sink
• refute
• throw
• distress
• stagger
• demoralize
• confute
• unnerve
• deluge
• break
• unman

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overpower

Docherty invites Jacob to clock him with the butt of his service revolver to help sell Docherty’s lie that Jacob overpowered him and escaped. — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026

The resident tried to shut the door behind him, but the men overpowered him. — Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2026

He was overpowered on one play early in the game, and PFF rated him 20th of 28 players who suited up on offense for the Canes on Friday. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

Law enforcement officers in direct physical contact with jail inmates are prohibited from carrying firearms because of the risk of an inmate overpowering an officer and gaining possession of the gun. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 4 Sep. 2026