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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in irresistible
Related 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 overpowering
Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
In 2022-23, Strider enjoyed soaring success by overpowering hitters.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Zucchinis and cucumbers are both mild-tasting, so they can be added to a number of recipes without the risk of overpowering the dish.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 Sep. 2025
Just one or two sprays are enough to leave a lasting impression with longevity and sillage that envelops without overpowering.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
The interference has included both jamming—overpowering communications with strong radio signals—and spoofing, which tricks receivers into misreading their location or even the time.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Eos Fragrance Free Body Lotion Many body lotions have overpowering scents that can make anyone's eyes water.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025
Rounding out the palette, chalky green trim (Paint & Paper Library Willow V) frames the room without overpowering it.
—Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2025
The orchestra, faithfully recreating ABBA’s arrangements, can be a bit loud, at times overpowering the vocal performances, especially Amy Weaver’s.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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
While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Filled with sweet-meets-savory flavor, the candy had recognizable notes of broth, chicken, vegetables, noodles and even parsley, while the seasoning wasn’t overpowering.
—Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
In 2022-23, Strider enjoyed soaring success by overpowering hitters.
—David O'Brien, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
Zucchinis and cucumbers are both mild-tasting, so they can be added to a number of recipes without the risk of overpowering the dish.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 24 Sep. 2025
Just one or two sprays are enough to leave a lasting impression with longevity and sillage that envelops without overpowering.
—Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025
The interference has included both jamming—overpowering communications with strong radio signals—and spoofing, which tricks receivers into misreading their location or even the time.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Eos Fragrance Free Body Lotion Many body lotions have overpowering scents that can make anyone's eyes water.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 Aug. 2025
Rounding out the palette, chalky green trim (Paint & Paper Library Willow V) frames the room without overpowering it.
—Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2025
The orchestra, faithfully recreating ABBA’s arrangements, can be a bit loud, at times overpowering the vocal performances, especially Amy Weaver’s.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
Just keep an eye on the run defense In a dominating win like Sunday’s, looking for any negatives is nitpicking, but the Cowboys’ run defense struggles are worth highlighting.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The Broncos are 2-2 and coming off a dominating 28-3 victory over the struggling Cincinnati Bengals.—
Hunter Simpson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Giants won in all kinds of encouraging ways while subduing the wild-card-leading Cubs in a 5-2 victory Tuesday night.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
-
The two also showed a demonstration of what a K9 takedown looks like, with Humphries acting as a target and K9 Bob subduing him.—
Richard Requena,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The onion, garlic, and cilantro add a little bite to the soup, while the chipotle chiles add a smoky flavor without overwhelming with heat.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
-
The pumpkin stencil design is stitched onto plush, white fabric, creating a festive look that’s easy to add to your existing decor without overwhelming the space.—
Melody Kazel,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In other words, an irresistible hypnosis for cinephiles.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Hung Vanngo Beauty features eye shadow palettes, gel and kohl eyeliners, blushes, bronzers and irresistible lipsticks (Vanngo Red, Limitless Sky and MaMe, shown, are among his favorite shades) so everyone can feel like a star.—
Jackie Fields,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dry riverbeds, or wadis, that once flowed into or out of the Nile provided land routes of trade, conquest and mining expeditions from the Nile River to the Red Sea.—
Vanessa Taylor,
Big Think,
25 Sep. 2025
-
That realization became the seed of her writing on slow dating, which reframes love as an unfolding rather than a conquest.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Both were standouts from the 2018 House blue wave — moms with national security credentials, conquering old Republican suburbs.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
It's been part of an incredible run of comp wins for Pope over the last month that also includes five veto victories and conquering the White Locust competition.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Not even a month had passed since his big sister, Toraya, was shot and killed at an apartment complex in New Jersey, devastating the Reid family and shaking the Timberwolves organization to its core.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Oil was discovered there in the 1920s, and the county went through booms and busts for decades, enriching wildcatters and devastating the landscape, until a lasting bust left Loving County a virtual wasteland with no running water, paved roads, schools, hospitals, or grocery stores.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Not long after Scopely set out on this path, then-Disney execs Tim O’Brien and Javier Ferreira joined Driver in his quest for mobile-gaming domination.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Morgan Pope continued her domination of the game and further cemented herself as the favorite to win season 27.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share