1
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
2
as in to overwhelm
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 overpower
The performance itself grows increasingly grating as the runtime drags on, particularly when Johnny’s scene partners overpower him by connecting deeper and doing less.
—
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
These pathway lights brighten the way once the sun goes down without overpowering the rest of your setup.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Classic shades such as oxblood and rust provide an intensity that doesn’t overpower when used in head-to-toe looks, while statured reds add energy.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
Just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds can add a mild nutty flavor and crunch that blends well with other ingredients without overpowering the dish.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
These pathway lights brighten the way once the sun goes down without overpowering the rest of your setup.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Classic shades such as oxblood and rust provide an intensity that doesn’t overpower when used in head-to-toe looks, while statured reds add energy.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Apr. 2026
Just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds can add a mild nutty flavor and crunch that blends well with other ingredients without overpowering the dish.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower
Verb
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On the night the Rams drafted Simpson, general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay were uncharacteristically subdued during a news conference.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
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What the experts say Hiring has picked up while layoffs remain relatively subdued, with little evidence so far that the Iran war is affecting the labor market.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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This is the monthly observing window — when moonlight no longer overwhelms the fainter stars and the sky begins to reveal itself again.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
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Through its trademark, Federal Retirement Made Simple™, this observation has informed FEBA’s ongoing focus on education, with an emphasis on making complex systems more understandable without overwhelming the individual.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Public safety dominated the exchange, with sharp disagreements over crime trends, law enforcement authority and the role sheriffs should play in statewide policy.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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The Seahawks dominated the Patriots in a 29-13 victory in February that secured the franchise’s second NFL title.—
Rob Maaddi,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Detroit allowed Cleveland to sprint to a 22-0 run to start the second half that took the Cavaliers from a four-point halftime deficit to an 18-point lead the Pistons were never able to overcome.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
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To overcome this, researchers at ETH Zurich used a subtler effect called the geometric phase, which exploits the path taken by atoms through an artificial ‘crystal of light’ built from intersecting laser beams.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Such terrain seems impossible to conquer.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
9 May 2026
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Indian films have had huge success in the domestic market and in some neighboring countries but have not conquered the international market.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 May 2026
Verb
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The trouble was that the British economy was fragile—most mortgages in the UK at the time had variable rates, so raising interest rates would devastate British homeowners.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
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Sarah Konwahahawi Herne was devastated.—
Brian Mann,
NPR,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Homeland Security officials even subjected him to a polygraph test, accusing him and other officials of leaking details of a private meeting.—
Gabriela Aoun Angueira,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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Kevin Hart subjected himself to one of comedy’s most hallowed and excruciating traditions last night, the roast.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2026
Verb
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The left fielder had a big night against one of his former teams with a home run and four RBIs on Thursday as the Chicago White Sox defeated the Royals 6-2 in front of 14,913 at Rate Field.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
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The missile will reportedly have a host of capabilities intended to defeat ballistic missile defenses, but Russia has not built a good track record with the vehicle.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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