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 This can build walls of water -- potentially as tall as 20 feet or more -- which can quickly overpower barriers and flood homes. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 That’s likely because Sivan often sings in italics, not bold, allowing his voice to add to the production without overpowering it. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 The initial Israeli reaction to the incident — in which an Omani pilot allegedly attacked the flight’s captain with an axe and tried to seize control of the plane before being overpowered by passengers — was relief. — Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026 The graphic pattern has enough personality to perk up a room without overpowering it. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overpower

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower

Verb

Two nurses helped subdue the actress, who was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
The interplay between the vocal harmonies phasing from side to side is clear, though the upper melody sounds subdued during the track's busier sections.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Resilient people experience life’s typical ups and downs, but their senses don’t overwhelm them.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Swain settled in this preseason, showing an improved progression in his decision making when he was not overwhelmed by on-ball duties.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of overwhelm

Verb

Apple and Samsung also continue to dominate the smartphone market.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
The problem for Weiss and the new leadership is that the US’ relationship with Israel and Israel’s military actions in the Middle East seems increasingly poised to dominate electoral politics in the coming years.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of dominate

Verb

Experts who are part of consultations expect the new policy to lay down clear and consistent rules, which will also help the industry overcome challenges around land acquisition and simplify a fragmented approval process.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
The song addresses overcoming adversity and using others’ doubts to fuel your passion.

— Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of overcome

Verb

Before conquering Hollywood, Ali played Division I basketball (standing at six feet four) and released rap albums under the name Prince Ali.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of conquer

Verb

Non-consensually posted intimate images can devastate women – and beget male bonding.

— Brittany Luse, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
That pad, now dubbed LC-36A, was devastated by a massive explosion during a test back in May, but construction crews have worked 24/7 to try and build it back to launch capability before the end of the year.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of devastate

Verb

The company then needs to incorporate that hardware into a complete Neutron first stage, and then subject that stage to a battery of tests.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
According to prosecutors, intelligence officers attacked him from behind, causing a serious back injury, and subsequently subjected him to electric shocks.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of subject

Verb

This was the sixth year in a row that the Yankees failed to defeat a higher-seeded playoff opponent.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Although supporters say the fear that billionaires will flee the state are overblown, the ultrawealthy have made moves to potentially avoid paying the tax or are funding campaigns to defeat it.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

overpluses

overpower

overpowered

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Style

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overpower

verb

Example Sentences

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