OVERPOWER Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

overpower

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r

Definition of overpower

as in to subdue

to bring under one's control by force of arms the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to overwhelm

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress overpowered by fear of the unknown

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 overpower It’s bottled at a high 63 percent ABV, but the heat is controlled and never overpowering. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026 With a strong performance from sophomore Noah Mejias from his victories in the 200 individual medley and 100 butterfly, the Lightning overpowered the rest of the field to capture its second team title at the Plantation Aquinas Center. — Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 Badly injured, Captain Machchhar somehow opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to overpower al-Hammami, and two off-duty pilots to take control of the plane and land it in Saudi Arabia. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026 According to the Army, this approach differs from older electronic warfare methods that primarily attempt to overpower hostile communications with electromagnetic energy. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overpower

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower

Verb

Having asserted their power, voters proved difficult to subdue again.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026
Police said officers used a less-lethal weapon to subdue Sims and take him into custody.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

Resilient people experience life’s typical ups and downs, but their senses don’t overwhelm them.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Swain settled in this preseason, showing an improved progression in his decision making when he was not overwhelmed by on-ball duties.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of overwhelm

Verb

Apple and Samsung also continue to dominate the smartphone market.

— Sam Birchall, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
The problem for Weiss and the new leadership is that the US’ relationship with Israel and Israel’s military actions in the Middle East seems increasingly poised to dominate electoral politics in the coming years.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of dominate

Verb

Experts who are part of consultations expect the new policy to lay down clear and consistent rules, which will also help the industry overcome challenges around land acquisition and simplify a fragmented approval process.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
The song addresses overcoming adversity and using others’ doubts to fuel your passion.

— Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of overcome

Verb

Before conquering Hollywood, Ali played Division I basketball (standing at six feet four) and released rap albums under the name Prince Ali.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
The announcement comes after a summer in which AI models have repeatedly conquered many of math’s longstanding open challenges, including one of the seven Millennium Prize Problems.

— Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of conquer

Verb

Non-consensually posted intimate images can devastate women – and beget male bonding.

— Brittany Luse, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
That pad, now dubbed LC-36A, was devastated by a massive explosion during a test back in May, but construction crews have worked 24/7 to try and build it back to launch capability before the end of the year.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of devastate

Verb

The company then needs to incorporate that hardware into a complete Neutron first stage, and then subject that stage to a battery of tests.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026
According to prosecutors, intelligence officers attacked him from behind, causing a serious back injury, and subsequently subjected him to electric shocks.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of subject

Verb

This was the sixth year in a row that the Yankees failed to defeat a higher-seeded playoff opponent.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
Although supporters say the fear that billionaires will flee the state are overblown, the ultrawealthy have made moves to potentially avoid paying the tax or are funding campaigns to defeat it.

— Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

overpluses

overpower

overpowered

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Style

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overpower

verb

Example Sentences

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