1
as in dominant
coming before all others in importance
the overbearing problem in our nation's schools
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in domineering
fond of ordering people around
the doctor's overbearing attitude is resented by nurses and patients alike
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in defeating
to achieve a victory over
that year the football team simply overbore opponent after opponent with steamroller ruthlessness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overbearing
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Without his mother’s overbearing glare, Ed becomes romantically involved with Adeline Watkins (Suzanna Son), an intriguing outcast in town, and begins indulging in a spree of gruesome crimes that would later shock the nation.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
And Tess is now a podcast host and overbearing grandmother.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overbearing
Adjective
Entrepreneurs are first pulled toward their passion in all sorts of ways—whether that be through an overbearing parent, chasing a childhood dream career, or realization that a hobby can bring in millions.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2025
Without his mother’s overbearing glare, Ed becomes romantically involved with Adeline Watkins (Suzanna Son), an intriguing outcast in town, and begins indulging in a spree of gruesome crimes that would later shock the nation.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
Getty Images Jerry Jones continues to play the role of overbearing hard-liner with Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
And Tess is now a podcast host and overbearing grandmother.
—Jay Stahl, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overbearing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overbearing
Adjective
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That simple change would introduce real competition, allowing merchants to choose lower-cost options and forcing the dominant players to compete on price and service--just like any other market.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
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Eighty years later, Adolph’s conclusions about the impossibility of adapting to dehydration are still the dominant view.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That premonition rings true when his parents (Tara Buckman, Geoff Hansen) are slaughtered by a carjacker dressed as Old Saint Nick himself (Charles Dierkop) just hours later, condemning the toddler into further moral compass trauma at an orphanage run by a domineering Mother Superior nun from Hell.—
Huntley Woods,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Dec. 2025
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Orgon’s only ally is his domineering parade float of a mother, Madame Pernelle (the Bianca del Rio), who sails onto the stage in high dudgeon at the top of the play.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
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This came on the heels of another fleeting feel-good moment for the Rangers (20-18-6), who opened the new year by defeating the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers in Friday’s Winter Classic.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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Zinke faced close races during his second House tenure however, winning his seat in the 2022 midterms by around three points before defeating the same opponent during the 2024 presidential election by more than seven points.—
Hunter Woodall,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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And one of its main ingredients was a hair product – Afro Sheen.—
Sonari Glinton,
NPR,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Then the Orion capsule will fire up its main thruster and shoot off towards the Moon on its 240,000-mile, four-day journey.—
The Week,
TheWeek,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Led by a far-right authoritarian government, the country has nevertheless encouraged rooftop and utility-scale solar through a mix of government rebates and relaxed regulations.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Unlike communism and other authoritarian systems of government, democratic socialists believe in democracy.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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DiMarco’s participation became a highlight of the event, with the student asking thoughtful questions about overcoming imposter syndrome and handling rejection.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
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And that religion, like music, can carry the sound of struggle – but also the hope of one day overcoming the injustices and inequalities of everyday life.—
Ken Chitwood,
The Conversation,
5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
-
So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But Musk, a sci-fi fan, has long been focused on humanity colonizing Mars and mastering space travel.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The mastering guy gets more lines than the entire E Street Band.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
2 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overbearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overbearing. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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