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
Relevance
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
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 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
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
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
Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 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
Choose toppings that are simple and not overpowering (an elaborate pizza likely won’t pair well with most condiments).
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Plus, the subtle camo pattern adds dimension without overpowering the look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
Many of the planets are bright enough to admire right in your own backyard, even with overpowering city lights.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026
Maddeningly, the cartels and dealers know just how to capitalize on that overpowering reality of the human condition.
—Sterling Elliott, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Miami Herald archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
This hair fragrance blends fresh florals with honey for a long-lasting sweetness that isn’t overpowering or saccharine.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 Jan. 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
Mild and herby with a bright tang, this one was less overpowering than others.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 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
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
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 chocolate is not overpowering either.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 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
Choose toppings that are simple and not overpowering (an elaborate pizza likely won’t pair well with most condiments).
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Plus, the subtle camo pattern adds dimension without overpowering the look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
Many of the planets are bright enough to admire right in your own backyard, even with overpowering city lights.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026
Maddeningly, the cartels and dealers know just how to capitalize on that overpowering reality of the human condition.
—Sterling Elliott, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Miami Herald archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
This hair fragrance blends fresh florals with honey for a long-lasting sweetness that isn’t overpowering or saccharine.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
Despite dominating possession, the defending MLS champions trailed 2-0 at halftime following a 3-0 shutout in the MLS season opener at LAFC last weekend.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 Mar. 2026
-
Yasmin sees that Harper feels this deep necessity in her bones to be a world killer and a dominating presence.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Colored Pouch What’s bright, irresistible, and impossible to play favorites with?—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
28 Feb. 2026
-
For expert skiers, Arapahoe Basin’s East Wall is an irresistible swath of terrain riven by steep chutes and couloirs, all of it requiring hiking to access.—
John Meyer,
Denver Post,
26 Feb. 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
-
To keep your legumes from overwhelming your pepper plants, try building some cattle panel trellising or opt for bush-type beans and peas, which stay more compact.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Add some elite in-zone defense and Canada may have a more difficult time overwhelming Finland with its attack.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Disaster serves as a chronometric device, in contrast to dynasty, conquest, Soviet power, or climate crisis.—
Anel Rakhimzhanova,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2026
-
In recent years, especially, he’s been recognized as a primary example of Western Europe’s conquest of the New World, its resources and its native peoples.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And no one on the left has shown up to work dressed like a conquering Nazi general swanning through the streets of Smolensk, the way Bovino did in the Midwest.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Few, if any, gave them a chance against the all-conquering Soviets, especially given the fact the American team had been humbled 10-3 in an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden just days before the Games started.—
Patrick Snell,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Through the implementation of strong border policies, fentanyl trafficking across the southern border has been slashed in half, leading to fewer overdose deaths devastating American families.—
Gabe Evans,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
-
The Los Angeles County district attorney is investigating whether Southern California Edison should be criminally prosecuted for its actions in last year’s devastating Eaton wildfire, which killed 19 people and left thousands of families homeless, the company said Wednesday.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Highlanders repeated as champions of last weekend’s 88th Annual National Prep Wrestling Tournament at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and did so in domination fashion.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Dean’s domination extends to the ARIA Albums Chart, as The Art Of Loving returns to the top spot for a ninth non-consecutive cycle.—
Lars Brandle,
Billboard,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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