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Definition of overbearingnext
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overbearing

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verb

present participle of overbear

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective overbearing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overbearing are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, insolent, lordly, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

In what contexts can arrogant take the place of overbearing?

The meanings of arrogant and overbearing largely overlap; however, arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When would disdainful be a good substitute for overbearing?

In some situations, the words disdainful and overbearing are roughly equivalent. However, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When can haughty be used instead of overbearing?

While the synonyms haughty and overbearing are close in meaning, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When could insolent be used to replace overbearing?

While in some cases nearly identical to overbearing, insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When is lordly a more appropriate choice than overbearing?

Although the words lordly and overbearing have much in common, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

When is it sensible to use proud instead of overbearing?

The words proud and overbearing can be used in similar contexts, but proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

Where would supercilious be a reasonable alternative to overbearing?

The words supercilious and overbearing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

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 overbearing
Adjective
Balance your home's exterior with a mix of blue shades to avoid an overbearing thematic decor. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 26 May 2026 Margaret Prior is almost thirty, unmarried, depressed, and living with her overbearing mother. Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Verb
Following the shooting, cryptic posts were unearthed from Ortiz's social media channels and provided an eye-opening look at overbearing celebrity fans. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 Mar. 2026 As the Auberge Collection portfolio's flagship, this stay amply delivers on its promise of luxury, with stunning grounds, immaculate rooms, a positively excellent restaurant and spa, as well as intuitive, never overbearing service. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overbearing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overbearing
Adjective
  • Brazil cruised past Scotland in a dominant victory in Miami.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
  • Without registering a goal or an assist, Pedri has been the best passer in a Spain midfield unit that has looked secure and dominant with the ball, albeit against two far less talented opponents.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Musk’s company has inked lucrative AI deals with Anthropic and Google and plans to be the domineering firm behind orbital data centers, which SpaceX has said could be deployed as early as 2028.
    Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
  • Many figures within evangelicalism have promoted an aggressive, domineering, even abusive view of manhood—affixing to it, as Du Mez argues, the label biblical.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • The first ever major league game to be played in Europe resulted in the Yankees defeating the Red Sox 17-13 in front of 60,000 spectators at London Olympic Stadium.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • The team displayed impressive form in the preliminary tournament qualifiers, winning all eight of its matches, scoring 37 goals, and defeating four-time World Cup champions Italy twice.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Because Swift has no docking ports or grappling fixtures to grab onto, Katalyst built its 880-pound, 5-foot tall LINK spacecraft with a custom robotic capture mechanism that will attach to a feature on the satellite’s main structure.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • One of the festival’s main attractions is the FIFA store, an 8,000-square-foot indoor facility on the east side of the grounds.
    Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the nation’s gravest hour, the country’s authoritarian regime has crippled an effective response, say survivors, rescue workers and former officials.
    Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
  • Some are fleeing authoritarian regimes, war or natural disasters.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • Forward-looking firms are overcoming this by deploying advanced technical strategies.
    Ali Hoss, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Normal matter can’t be stuffed into a space tiny and dense enough without overcoming a huge outward pressure.
    Stephen DiKerby, The Conversation, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The name of the predominant flavor must appear as part of the product name.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • Matthew Harmon of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, representing law enforcement, the predominant users of ALPRs in the area.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.
    David j. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
  • Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.
    Charles Moss, New York Times, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overbearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overbearing. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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