as in dominating
the act or process of bringing someone or something under one's control
the overpowering of much of Europe by the Nazis during World War II
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in irresistible
Related Words
1
as in subduing
to bring under one's control by force of arms
the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overwhelming
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
overpowered by fear of the unknown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overpowering
José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026
Peppermint and chocolate are a classic combo, but sometimes the mint flavor can taste too artificial or overpowering in baked goods when using an extract, which this recipe forgoes in favor of the peppermint candies.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025
Some people might find the scent overpowering.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025
Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Vinegar is pretty overpowering, even to humans, so don’t overdo it.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Warm Vanilla Fine Fragrance Mist, $51 for seven Looking for a fragrance mist that’s warm, inviting, and sweet without being too overpowering?
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
In its place was an overpowering smell of cigar smoke and a mass of humanity.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Etzel scored later on a wild pitch — but Tolle retired 15 straight batters after the leadoff hit to conclude his latest overpowering outing.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Cloves have a pungent scent that’s wonderful in spice cakes but overpowering for a mouse.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
And the seasonal White Chocolate Peppermint is the rare festive flavor that tastes balanced rather than overpowering.
—Samantha Leal, Refinery29, 6 Jan. 2026
This is an exceptional and decadent bourbon, with strong oak and subtle smoky notes that are never overpowering or distracting.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025
Expensive; rose scent may be overpowering for some This body oil elevates everyday moisturizing into a full-on spa experience.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
The smell of the dead mussels, even in the open air, was overpowering.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
To properly balance the fragrance, opt for a smaller diffuser in smaller rooms to avoid overpowering the space.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Channeling some wild style with the leopard print, Stone, who often collaborates with stylist Petra Flannery, ensured the piece wasn’t overpowering, opting for a mini hemline and understated material that only served to complement and augment her refined attire.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
Chavarria was a cult designer at the time—an unsung name on the New York Fashion Week lineup that each season delivered a two-punch of a political statement and a singular sartorial proposition, both often related to his Chicano roots, even if at times the former overpowering the latter.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026
Peppermint and chocolate are a classic combo, but sometimes the mint flavor can taste too artificial or overpowering in baked goods when using an extract, which this recipe forgoes in favor of the peppermint candies.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025
Some people might find the scent overpowering.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Now, with so much more football and the overpowering nature of the internet providing both a platform for promotion but also ridicule, the role of the commentator is very different.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Vinegar is pretty overpowering, even to humans, so don’t overdo it.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
Warm Vanilla Fine Fragrance Mist, $51 for seven Looking for a fragrance mist that’s warm, inviting, and sweet without being too overpowering?
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
In its place was an overpowering smell of cigar smoke and a mass of humanity.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Etzel scored later on a wild pitch — but Tolle retired 15 straight batters after the leadoff hit to conclude his latest overpowering outing.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Herald’s archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Cloves have a pungent scent that’s wonderful in spice cakes but overpowering for a mouse.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
And the seasonal White Chocolate Peppermint is the rare festive flavor that tastes balanced rather than overpowering.
—Samantha Leal, Refinery29, 6 Jan. 2026
This is an exceptional and decadent bourbon, with strong oak and subtle smoky notes that are never overpowering or distracting.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025
Expensive; rose scent may be overpowering for some This body oil elevates everyday moisturizing into a full-on spa experience.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
The smell of the dead mussels, even in the open air, was overpowering.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
To properly balance the fragrance, opt for a smaller diffuser in smaller rooms to avoid overpowering the space.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Channeling some wild style with the leopard print, Stone, who often collaborates with stylist Petra Flannery, ensured the piece wasn’t overpowering, opting for a mini hemline and understated material that only served to complement and augment her refined attire.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
If the approval of the most important tastemakers (gay people) wasn’t enough, The New Yorker had crowned Industry as the best TV show of 2024, with the show dominating critics’ year-end lists, from Vanity Fair to Vulture and The Guardian.—
Louis Staples,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Essentially, the Golden Globes TV honors were a redux of the TV Academy’s Emmy Awards winners with The Pitt, The Studio and Adolescence dominating both.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The British press found her tendency to downplay her artistry irresistible.—
Christopher Tayler,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Seeing one of the best players in the world react like a weekend warrior at the local park is irresistible eye-candy and endlessly relatable.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As the representative for the armed wing of a human empire, you're tasked with subduing these Lovecraftian abominations and securing a foothold for humanity on alien worlds.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
-
The past two months of mostly sideways churn within 3% of record highs for the S & P 500 has helped to rebalance the market, puncturing the aggressive sense of destiny around many AI plays, subduing some speculative misbehavior and allowing valuations to settle.—
Michael Santoli,
CNBC,
20 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Advanced technologies like microencapsulation and nano-layering allow actives to penetrate effectively without overwhelming the skin’s surface—reducing irritation while improving efficacy.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Different grades of molasses exist, but the kind used in brown sugar is typically mild enough to enhance flavor without overwhelming it.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Now, she is being recast as a brilliant linguist who survived conquest, enslavement and patriarchy.—
Kevinisha Walker,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Tariffs, conquests; all are subverted to this man’s ego.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The craftsman at Kaikado isn’t reinventing the tea caddy or building a world-conquering app.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
For me, that says something about my preoccupation with monsters-in-disguise and the agency of women in both uncovering and conquering violence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
While an eight-game winning run saw Cherki, Foden and Haaland hit their devastating best, three frustrating draws against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion were characterised by wastefulness in front of goal.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Group members want to see Bonta’s office take ownership of a review, as occurred in Hawaii after Maui’s devastating Lahaina fire.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile, far from trending toward retail domination, US e-commerce growth is flattening.—
Greg Petro,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
As the 1950s rolled into the 1960s, more and more African countries were freeing themselves from European colonial domination; this wave of liberation prompted the emergence of liberation movements in South Africa and anti-apartheid protests.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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