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
Relevance
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
Just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds can add a mild nutty flavor and crunch that blends well with other ingredients without overpowering the dish.
—
Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
The stripes add a pop of pattern, and the blue palette is bright but not overpowering.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
The jasmine and rose scent is pleasant without being overpowering, according to our tester.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Neither restrained nor overpowering.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
The stripes add a pop of pattern, and the blue palette is bright but not overpowering.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
The jasmine and rose scent is pleasant without being overpowering, according to our tester.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Neither restrained nor overpowering.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower
Verb
-
On the night the Rams drafted Simpson, general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay were uncharacteristically subdued during a news conference.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
What the experts say Hiring has picked up while layoffs remain relatively subdued, with little evidence so far that the Iran war is affecting the labor market.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
This is the monthly observing window — when moonlight no longer overwhelms the fainter stars and the sky begins to reveal itself again.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
-
Through its trademark, Federal Retirement Made Simple™, this observation has informed FEBA’s ongoing focus on education, with an emphasis on making complex systems more understandable without overwhelming the individual.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The one-time cellar-dweller Braves became known as America's Team and eventually dominated the National League in the 1990s under Turner's ownership, including a 1995 World Series victory.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
-
Global companies already dominate the world's fastest-growing major consumer market across 20 product categories from soft drinks and spirits to savory snacks, detergents, and diapers, the report said.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Detroit allowed Cleveland to sprint to a 22-0 run to start the second half that took the Cavaliers from a four-point halftime deficit to an 18-point lead the Pistons were never able to overcome.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
-
To overcome this, researchers at ETH Zurich used a subtler effect called the geometric phase, which exploits the path taken by atoms through an artificial ‘crystal of light’ built from intersecting laser beams.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Such terrain seems impossible to conquer.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
9 May 2026
-
Indian films have had huge success in the domestic market and in some neighboring countries but have not conquered the international market.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 May 2026
Verb
-
The deadly fires that devastated homes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena also laid waste to a lush canopy of leaves and pine needles that had cooled and shaded residents here for generations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
Such local weather events have devastated rural communities in recent years.—
Lauren Sommer,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Homeland Security officials even subjected him to a polygraph test, accusing him and other officials of leaking details of a private meeting.—
Gabriela Aoun Angueira,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Kevin Hart subjected himself to one of comedy’s most hallowed and excruciating traditions last night, the roast.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Nico Santonastaso struck out 10 and allowed two earned runs over seven innings, and Jack Thompson registered three hits and an RBI as Mystic Valley defeated Minuteman, 10-5.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
9 May 2026
-
Josiah Rodriguez was 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and four RBIs and Mason Cook hit a two-run home run as PLNU defeated Concordia 9-1 in Santa Barbara to complete a three-game tournament sweep.—
Bill Center,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
