Synonyms of overpowering

overpowering 1 of 3

noun

as in dominating

the act or process of bringing someone or something under one's control

the overpowering of much of Europe by the Nazis during World War II

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dominating
• conquest
• domination
• subjugation
• subduing
• subjection
• takeover
• vanquishing
• victory
• subjugating
• subjecting
• winning
• defeat
• triumph
• win
• whipping
• trimming
• licking
• beating
• enslavement
• trouncing
• drubbing
• shellacking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberation
• freeing
• release
• emancipation
• enfranchisement
• manumission

overpowering

2 of 3

adjective

as in irresistible

Related Words

• irresistible
• overwhelming
• spreading
• infectious
• perceptible
• epidemic
• tangible
• contagious
• catching
• palpable
• winning
• endearing
• inviting
• fetching
• disarming
• winsome

overpowering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of overpower

1

as in subduing

to bring under one's control by force of arms

the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dominating
• subduing
• conquering
• subjecting
• defeating
• overcoming
• subjugating
• vanquishing
• reducing
• subordinating
• enslaving
• pacifying
• crushing
• beating
• annihilating
• smashing
• whipping
• licking
• suppressing
• prevailing (over)
• clobbering
• quelling
• thrashing
• routing
• mowing (down)
• smothering
• triumphing (over)
• trouncing
• walloping
• silencing
• drubbing
• repressing
• squelching
• skunking
• squashing
• quashing
• cracking down (on)
• clamping down (on)
• putting down
• snuffing (out)
• breaking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberating
• freeing
• discharging
• springing
• emancipating
• releasing
• enfranchising
• unfettering
• manumitting
• unbinding
• unchaining
• uncaging

2

as in overwhelming

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress

overpowered by fear of the unknown

Synonyms & Similar Words

• overwhelming
• devastating
• overcoming
• crushing
• oppressing
• grinding (down)
• swamping
• disturbing
• overmastering
• whelming
• drowning
• flooring
• rocking
• prostrating
• defeating
• upsetting
• snowing under
• shattering
• distressing
• sinking
• throwing
• unnerving
• refuting
• staggering
• demoralizing
• deluging
• confuting
• unmanning
• breaking

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overpowering

Noun

In Michigan’s overpowering run in this tournament, Mara was everywhere. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

Chavarria was a cult designer at the time—an unsung name on the New York Fashion Week lineup that each season delivered a two-punch of a political statement and a singular sartorial proposition, both often related to his Chicano roots, even if at times the former overpowering the latter. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026

Peppermint and chocolate are a classic combo, but sometimes the mint flavor can taste too artificial or overpowering in baked goods when using an extract, which this recipe forgoes in favor of the peppermint candies. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025

Some people might find the scent overpowering. — Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025

Adjective

Feller was 23 years old, perhaps the most overpowering pitcher in baseball and entering the prime of a Hall of Fame career. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

Durians' overpowering smell is fragrant to those who love it and foul to those who don't. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

The candle has a fresh, citrussy scent, just like its name implies, that’s never too strong or overpowering, even as someone prone to headaches. — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026

While Barnes' final outing for the Dodgers proved costly, evaluators have long viewed him as a pitcher capable of providing organizational depth despite lacking overpowering velocity. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Reliever Grant Taylor pitched two overpowering innings, striking out four while picking up the victory. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

The playful print isn’t too overpowering, yet it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and collect compliments) thanks to its flattering neckline and retro-inspired vibe. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 25 June 2026

Baby wipes or non-scented lotion will also fix an overpowering scent. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 June 2026

The overpowering moral authority of wronged women, #MeToo’s skeptics alleged, would allow cynical wrongdoers to weaponize claims of victimhood for their own gain. — Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 9 June 2026

Verb

The aroma filled my nostrils, fighting the overpowering perfume of the flowers that lay in a vivid blanket of color around the gaping grave. — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Law enforcement officers in direct physical contact with jail inmates are prohibited from carrying firearms because of the risk of an inmate overpowering an officer and gaining possession of the gun. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 4 Sep. 2026

The steak was crisp and deeply browned on the outside, with a tender, savory center underneath, and the blanket of brown gravy softened the crunchy crust and added a rich, salty flavor without overpowering the meat. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

The knock was that Pearson had overpowering stuff but struggled at times with his command. — Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Its sleek silhouette can easily fit anywhere, while the warm neutral shade blends in without overpowering the rest of your décor. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Sweetness from the honey is well-balanced, and the cayenne is not overpowering but certainly noticeable enough to give you a little kick in the pants. — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2026

Cage and Cope were playing the de facto heels, overpowering an isolated Matt Jackson and mixing in quick tags. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

The ground beef and split pea tomato sauce draped over top is rich without overpowering the buttery leeks. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026