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

This kind of overbearing, overpowering, the cities dominating the people, the slightly retro feel of it. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

Quarterback Will Burns accounted for four total touchdowns and Floyd Chalk ran for a career-high 212 yards and Southern Utah used the second half to overpower UC Davis 38-17 on Saturday. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

It’s bottled at a high 63 percent ABV, but the heat is controlled and never overpowering. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

With a strong performance from sophomore Noah Mejias from his victories in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly, the Lightning overpowered the rest of the field to capture its second team title at the Plantation Aquinas Center. — Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026