overpowering 1 of 3

overpowering

2 of 3

verb

present participle of overpower

overpowering

3 of 3

adjective

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
Noun
Glade Plug-In Apple Cinnamon Refills, 5-Pack This fragrance is a little sweet, a little spicy, and 100 percent comforting — definitely not your typical overpowering air freshener. Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 Burman’s Mild and herby with a bright tang, this one was less overpowering than others. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025 In its place was an overpowering smell of cigar smoke and a mass of humanity. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 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 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
Expect lively notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, and green apple, anchored by a soft minerality that adds depth without overpowering. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025 Unlike other mass-market body sprays marketed to teenage boys, this one isn’t abrasive or musk-heavy; it can be misted on enthusiastically in a locker room or before school without overpowering. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025 To my non-videophile eyes, the differences between the two screens were noticeable but not overpowering. Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
  • The Dodgers have earned the break with a dominating performance over the Milwaukee Brewers, culminating in Shohei Ohtani’s historic exclamation point in Game 4.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Skinny jeans may have been a dominating fashion trend at one point, but the denim silhouette has officially been dethroned by relaxed styles, according to celebrities.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 18 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
  • In Marcum’s home, a bowl of apples, red picture frames, and even a red matchbook placed on the coffee table are used as tools to lend a dynamic feel without overwhelming the space.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The majority of active shelter licenses for transitional and rehabilitation homes in Jefferson County are located in the West End and around Old Louisville, frustrating residents who say the homes are overwhelming their neighborhoods.
    Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Chopped pecans are sprinkled over the top, creating that irresistible sticky topping once the buns are baked and flipped.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Color experts regard the combination of analogous hues, whether expressed in green and purple interior design or purple flowers emerging from green foliage, as highly desirable both aesthetically and emotionally, creating a feeling of irresistible calm.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Still, viewing her objectively is impossible, according to Federico Navarrete, historian at Mexico’s National Autonomous University, because the race and class conflicts left by the conquest persist.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • And of course there’s no forgetting the brutality came with the conquest of the Americas.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These terrorists are going about on a jihad and conquering territories and renaming them accordingly.
    Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Combs was not content with simply conquering the entertainment industry.
    NBC News, NBC news, 3 Oct. 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
  • The Row continued its domination in austere accessories.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • But over the past year, YouTube’s domination of The Gauge has unnerved executives at some competitors.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on overpowering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!