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 The graphic pattern has enough personality to perk up a room without overpowering it. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026 The plane rapidly lost altitude before Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to enter and overpower al Hammami. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026 Cottage cheese makes beef even juicer without overpowering its flavor. — Emily Laurence Sardinha, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overpower

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower

Verb

Armed and hooded, the gang was waved in by Black and surprised, subdued, and handcuffed the other security guards.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Passengers and crew managed to subdue him, according to their own accounts, and an off-duty flight crew on the jet made a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

— Tucker Reals, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Bettany is by turns hilariously perplexed, in the universal manner of parents engaging with teens everywhere, and achingly tender, in the more unusual way of a robot letting himself be overwhelmed by feeling for the first time.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026
Clashes last week between armed groups from rival communities in the central part of South Sudan left scores of people dead and overwhelmed a hospital with wounded people, officials said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of overwhelm

Verb

The oversize everyday bag continues to dominate, particularly in supple suede finishes, while mini and micro bags remain relevant through playful interpretations featuring embroidery, charms and decorative details.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Although bright whites dominate the hotel’s design, the warmth of unvarnished wood furniture does much to temper its starkness, and judicious use of pops of colour – fresh greens, yellows and florals – gives visual interest to the luxe space.

— Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of dominate

Verb

These sessions have helped Ellis develop a better understanding of the challenges others have overcome.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
The three-time AL MVP played just seven games after May 31 because of a fractured rib and the leg injury, an absence the team couldn't overcome.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of overcome

Verb

The announcement comes after a summer in which AI models have repeatedly conquered many of math’s longstanding open challenges, including one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems.

— Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026
Having conquered the world’s top stages as Wagner’s warrior goddess, the American soprano returns to New World Symphony with selections from Götterdämmerung.

— Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of conquer

Verb

In the late 1700s, British scientists ran bold experiments on thermoregulation, subjecting themselves (and a dog) to a piping hot room and observing that — unlike the steak and eggs accompanying them — their own bodies did not cook.

— Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
We are subjected daily to the caprices of a mind both unregulated and amoral.

— David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of subject

Verb

Trump’s appearance in San Antonio comes as Republicans fight to keep Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico from defeating Paxton.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
Unfortunately, the same forces that defeated previous permitting reform packages — primarily left-wing interest groups — are threatening to smother this legislation.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overpower

verb

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