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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in irresistible
Related Words
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overwhelming
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 overpowering
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
Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
Aroldis Chapman has always been regarded as one of the most overpowering pitchers to ever set foot on a baseball diamond, but command hasn’t always been his calling card.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
The irony is that few major film festivals have felt more grounded in their environs than Sundance or have conveyed a more physically overpowering sense of place.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Now, with so much more football and the overpowering nature of the internet providing both a platform for promotion but also ridicule, the role of the commentator is very different.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Warm Vanilla Fine Fragrance Mist, $51 for seven Looking for a fragrance mist that’s warm, inviting, and sweet without being too overpowering?
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Etzel scored later on a wild pitch — but Tolle retired 15 straight batters after the leadoff hit to conclude his latest overpowering outing.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Each fabric adds depth without overpowering the look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
Maddeningly, the cartels and dealers know just how to capitalize on that overpowering reality of the human condition.
—Sterling Elliott, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Miami Herald archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
This hair fragrance blends fresh florals with honey for a long-lasting sweetness that isn’t overpowering or saccharine.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
And the seasonal White Chocolate Peppermint is the rare festive flavor that tastes balanced rather than overpowering.
—Samantha Leal, Refinery29, 6 Jan. 2026
The Fresh Linen scent is light and refreshing, leaving clothes smelling clean without being overpowering.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 13 Mar. 2025
Think of it like a duet, where both brands should enhance each other without overpowering.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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
The layers have the texture of a pound cake and aren't too sweet or overpowering.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
Aroldis Chapman has always been regarded as one of the most overpowering pitchers to ever set foot on a baseball diamond, but command hasn’t always been his calling card.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
The irony is that few major film festivals have felt more grounded in their environs than Sundance or have conveyed a more physically overpowering sense of place.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Now, with so much more football and the overpowering nature of the internet providing both a platform for promotion but also ridicule, the role of the commentator is very different.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Warm Vanilla Fine Fragrance Mist, $51 for seven Looking for a fragrance mist that’s warm, inviting, and sweet without being too overpowering?
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Etzel scored later on a wild pitch — but Tolle retired 15 straight batters after the leadoff hit to conclude his latest overpowering outing.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
The bun was buttery and slightly sweet, the pickles and mustard lended a bit of tang to the unctuous beef patties smothered in melty American cheese, and the sweet-but-slightly-spicy Sassy Sauce brought it all together without overpowering any other flavors.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
Each fabric adds depth without overpowering the look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
Maddeningly, the cartels and dealers know just how to capitalize on that overpowering reality of the human condition.
—Sterling Elliott, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Miami Herald archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
This hair fragrance blends fresh florals with honey for a long-lasting sweetness that isn’t overpowering or saccharine.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
And the seasonal White Chocolate Peppermint is the rare festive flavor that tastes balanced rather than overpowering.
—Samantha Leal, Refinery29, 6 Jan. 2026
The Fresh Linen scent is light and refreshing, leaving clothes smelling clean without being overpowering.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 13 Mar. 2025
Think of it like a duet, where both brands should enhance each other without overpowering.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
That might change as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the two dominating players, will likely face increasing competition as other companies develop rival drugs.—
Elsa Ohlen,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
-
But the former San Clemente High and USC star played error-free, tossed a touchdown pass and let running back Kenneth Walker III, kicker Jason Myers and a dominating defense do the rest in a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Its vibrant orange, orchid-like flowers bloom from summer through fall and are irresistible to hummingbirds.—
Anne Readel,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
-
These irresistible, creamy purée treats are perfect for picky eaters, bonding moments and sneaking in hydration—cats can’t get enough of them.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Multiple officers were involved in subduing Guity and placing him in handcuffs, police said.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
-
As the representative for the armed wing of a human empire, you're tasked with subduing these Lovecraftian abominations and securing a foothold for humanity on alien worlds.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The goal is a home that feels warm and welcoming, with just enough personality to stand out—without overwhelming the block.—
Lauren Jones,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The monochromatic black palette allows all these bold elements to coexist without overwhelming the look.—
Shelby Comroe,
InStyle,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The two families at the center of the story are warring for conquest of a volcanic holy mountain; their various alliances over the course of the film are not attempts at class preservation but rather ritualistic power plays.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Antarctica remains his final continental conquest—the penguins have been warned.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Basically, look for a design that looks like as though was made for walking in the Mediterranean, but also for conquering the city streets.—
Alex Sales,
Glamour,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Before 1946, conquering disease would have seemed as much a subject of science fiction as putting a man on the moon.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Bass, politically bruised over her handling of last year’s devastating Palisades fire, now faces an insurgent campaign from one of the City Council’s savviest players.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
-
The front lobby of Unicoi County Hospital was wrecked by devastating flooding during Hurricane Helene in 2024.—
Brett Kelman,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The reasons for this domination are simple.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Some Republican states are pushing to reduce the American Bar Association’s long domination in accrediting law schools.—
Ella Lee,
The Hill,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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