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
Relevance
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
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
The avocado gives the smoothie a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the sweet, tropical flavor of the mango.
—
Lauren Manaker, SELF, 2 Apr. 2026
Ignoring common sense and the pleas of three nonpartisan good government groups, the four Democrats on the state Public Campaign Finance Board overpowered the three Republicans and knocked the GOP candidate for governor, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, out of the matching funds program.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
The morning may start okay with a little hunger and lower mood, but by later in the day, cravings and emotions can be overpowering.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
For as long as people have been overpowering one another, there has been resistance to power.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Lauren Manaker, SELF, 2 Apr. 2026
Ignoring common sense and the pleas of three nonpartisan good government groups, the four Democrats on the state Public Campaign Finance Board overpowered the three Republicans and knocked the GOP candidate for governor, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, out of the matching funds program.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2026
The morning may start okay with a little hunger and lower mood, but by later in the day, cravings and emotions can be overpowering.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
For as long as people have been overpowering one another, there has been resistance to power.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower
Verb
-
They were abandoned during the Mongol invasion in 1241 and then subdued by the Ottoman empire in 1526.—
Isaac Stanley-Becker,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Worley physically fought the officer who used a Taser to subdue him, an affidavit states.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The kitchen offers tons of storage and a full-height wine display, along with lighting by Lindsey Adelman Studio that adds a contemporary edge without overwhelming the space.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Others warned that Korean entertainment could overwhelm the domestic industry.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Together, Murillo said, these dynamics created a mining economy dominated by armed group — a structure that remains largely intact as foreign investment begins to explore entry into the sector.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
If someone dominates the conversation, pivot with a smart question — try to say something that could interest quieter individuals, so everyone gets a chance to speak.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But Neuer helped Freiburg build the 2-0 lead that Bayern had to overcome.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Denver overcame 30 points from Toumani Camara, who hit eight of the Blazers' franchise-record 25 3-pointers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Over the centuries, it would be conquered by empires of varying beliefs.—
Seth Doane,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Discipline, toughness, perfect technique, a nutty compulsion to conquer the world’s most inhospitable bodies of water?—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Florida’s citrus industry has been in a steady decline the past 25 years because of Huanglongbing (also known as HLB and citrus greening disease), a bacterial disease that devastates citrus trees.—
Jim Turner,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Last year saw 13 named storms, including five hurricanes, most notably Category 5 Melissa, which devastated Jamaica.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But Almodóvar does here, and has at least one character subjecting Raul’s screenplay, and so Elsa’s story, to serious criticism of its faulty structure.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Before Poway first approved the development decades ago, the site was subjected in 2001 to an archaeological survey that found hundreds of Native American artifacts recovered, in addition to about 10 grams of bone — discoveries the review deemed culturally significant.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Clippers defeated the Warriors 114-101 in their last matchup on March 3.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 Monday night for the team's second NCAA title in school history and the first since 1989.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
