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 Roku monitors social media and other feedback to make sure the advertising doesn’t overpower the familiar city landscape. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 Pair them with a simple vinaigrette so their flavor isn’t overpowered. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026 The action sequences in this film aren’t overpowering, but they are masterfully choreographed. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Natalie reaches for a knife in the kitchen before Max overpowers her. — Jp Mangalindan, Time, 31 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
  • Energy supply disruptions remain a key market concern, with tanker traffic through the strait still subdued, said Lloyd Chan, senior currency analyst at MUFG Bank in Singapore, noting that Brent prices remain way above above pre-conflict levels.
    — Chloe Taylor,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Across the Atlantic Ocean, forecasters say intense heat in western and central Europe could create ideal wildfire conditions just as firefighters appeared to subdue a raging fire in southern France and Spain.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • But this year, the number and scale of foodborne illness outbreaks are overwhelming the system and disrupting the ability to respond.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Despite this multi-layered surveillance system, Tuesday’s massive influx overwhelmed the filtration hardware, forcing operators to bring the reactors offline once again to safeguard the facilities.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of overwhelm
Verb
  • Nigeria have dominated the continental competition since its inception and had never missed a semifinal in the tournament’s 35-year history.
    — Emily Olsen, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Chinese vendors dominate, shipping 97% of units, while Chinese buyers absorb 85% of demand.
    — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • Prosecutors will have to overcome a few key hurdles in their case.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Four firefighters were killed and a fifth was injured after they were overcome by a fast-moving wildfire in Colorado, near the Utah border, in June.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of overcome
Verb
  • Greatest Hits has previously conquered the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums ranking.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The waters around Sicily, which was colonized by the ancient Greeks and later conquered by the Romans around 240 BC, constituted one of the ancient world’s most important trade routes.
    — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • The floods also devastated livestock, with large numbers of cattle lost, dealing a blow to rural communities and raising concerns about disease outbreaks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The area where the quake struck, Colombia's coffee region, was devastated by an earthquake in 1999 that killed more than 1,200 people.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastate
Verb
  • Lebson alleged that Russian authorities have subjected Gilman to mistreatment, including harassment, forced exercise sessions lasting up to 16 hours and the administration of psychotropic drugs.
    — Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Then founder and master distiller Joe McGirr subjects his spirit to a vapor chamber chockablock with even more juniper.
    — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of subject
Verb
  • Martínez was a headache to both pitchers, hitting a grand slam against Sandlin and finishing with a career-high six RBIs as the Guardians defeated the Sox 8-2.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • But the technology for defeating ballistic missiles has advanced significantly since the Cold War.
    — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of overpower for Spanish Speakers

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