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
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Most tasters appreciated that this spread had a nice taste and was not too sweet or overpowering.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Aroldis Chapman has always been regarded as one of the most overpowering pitchers to ever set foot on a baseball diamond, but command hasn’t always been his calling card.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
The irony is that few major film festivals have felt more grounded in their environs than Sundance or have conveyed a more physically overpowering sense of place.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 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
India Roby, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026
The combination of Luka Doncic and LeBron James was overpowering and enthralling for all to see during the Lakers’ dynamic 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Combining the two creates a sauce that’s flavorful but balanced, without one cheese overpowering the other.
—Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
These linen pillow covers feature a subtle fringe trim that adds just enough texture and visual interest without overpowering your existing decor.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Distillers seem to like these barrels because thtey can add sweetness and a bit of orange flavor to the whiskey without overpowering it, at least if the finish is done right.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026
The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle (intentionally so, not in an underwhelming way).
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
Smoke and the smell of burning is overpowering in Iran's capital.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026
Minimal rhinestones add a delicate, luxe touch without overpowering the look–perfect for those who want understated glamour that feels clean-lined and graceful.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
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
Against Mexico, Skenes struck out seven across four overpowering innings.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Most tasters appreciated that this spread had a nice taste and was not too sweet or overpowering.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Aroldis Chapman has always been regarded as one of the most overpowering pitchers to ever set foot on a baseball diamond, but command hasn’t always been his calling card.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
The irony is that few major film festivals have felt more grounded in their environs than Sundance or have conveyed a more physically overpowering sense of place.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 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
Verb
The baggy shape juxtaposes the shoes’ sexy sharpness without completely overpowering an outfit.
—India Roby, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026
The combination of Luka Doncic and LeBron James was overpowering and enthralling for all to see during the Lakers’ dynamic 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Combining the two creates a sauce that’s flavorful but balanced, without one cheese overpowering the other.
—Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
These linen pillow covers feature a subtle fringe trim that adds just enough texture and visual interest without overpowering your existing decor.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Distillers seem to like these barrels because thtey can add sweetness and a bit of orange flavor to the whiskey without overpowering it, at least if the finish is done right.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026
The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle (intentionally so, not in an underwhelming way).
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
Smoke and the smell of burning is overpowering in Iran's capital.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026
Minimal rhinestones add a delicate, luxe touch without overpowering the look–perfect for those who want understated glamour that feels clean-lined and graceful.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
The Fighting Illini are dreaming of a trip to the Sweet 16 after a dominating win Thursday night against Penn.—
Ryan Baker,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The game was scoreless after the first half despite the United States dominating possession by nearly 70%.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But there’s an irresistible spirit of youthful exuberance underpinning it all.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2026
-
This spring, my cart’s fully loaded at Free People, complete with lightweight layers, floral dresses, denim staples, and a few irresistible accessories.—
Olivia Cigliano,
InStyle,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Multiple officers were involved in subduing Guity and placing him in handcuffs, police said.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Robby’s self-contempt and his fears of what the PTMC could become without him are overwhelming his character — and the show too.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Any vines that are overwhelming a tree in this fashion need to be removed or drastically pruned.—
Tim Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But in recent years, Columbus also has been recognized as a primary example of Western Europe's conquest of the New World, its resources and native people.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
In recent years, Columbus also has been recognized as a primary example of Western Europe’s conquest of the New World, its resources and its Native people.—
Brian Witte,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Vin Baker did not want to return a conquering University of Hartford hero just yet.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Best of luck conquering the world today and, of course, do keep in touch.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Our team found that a hospital cyberattack cut the odds of surviving a cardiac arrest without devastating brain damage by nearly 90% at nearby hospitals, not just the one that was attacked.—
Christian Dameff,
The Conversation,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Israel has stepped up assassinations of top Iranian officials in recent days, in what the Israel Defense Forces said was a push to undermine command and control in Iran after more than two weeks of devastating airstrikes that have wiped out military infrastructure but not dislodged the regime.—
Victoria Craw,
Washington Post,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The Catholic king, James II, was bitterly opposed by the Protestant aristocrats, who feared Catholic domination and French influence.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Gregory’s win was especially sweet for Florida Democrats, who have been beaten down by years of Republican domination in what was once the consummate battleground state.—
Bill Barrow,
Fortune,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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