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
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 26 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
Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle (intentionally so, not in an underwhelming way).
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
Smoke and the smell of burning is overpowering in Iran's capital.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026
Minimal rhinestones add a delicate, luxe touch without overpowering the look–perfect for those who want understated glamour that feels clean-lined and graceful.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Choose toppings that are simple and not overpowering (an elaborate pizza likely won’t pair well with most condiments).
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Plus, the subtle camo pattern adds dimension without overpowering the look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
Many of the planets are bright enough to admire right in your own backyard, even with overpowering city lights.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026
The Fresh Linen scent is light and refreshing, leaving clothes smelling clean without being overpowering.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 13 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
Mild and herby with a bright tang, this one was less overpowering than others.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 26 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
Verb
One shopper who is sensitive to overpowering scents said the product’s scent is ever so slight, with a very light floral perfume.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle (intentionally so, not in an underwhelming way).
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
Smoke and the smell of burning is overpowering in Iran's capital.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026
Minimal rhinestones add a delicate, luxe touch without overpowering the look–perfect for those who want understated glamour that feels clean-lined and graceful.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Choose toppings that are simple and not overpowering (an elaborate pizza likely won’t pair well with most condiments).
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026
Plus, the subtle camo pattern adds dimension without overpowering the look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
Many of the planets are bright enough to admire right in your own backyard, even with overpowering city lights.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 18 Feb. 2026
The Fresh Linen scent is light and refreshing, leaving clothes smelling clean without being overpowering.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 13 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
The game was scoreless after the first half despite the United States dominating possession by nearly 70%.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Even with the Haaland situation dominating headlines, there are clear midfield priorities heading into the next gameweek.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Despite morale-sapping staff layoffs, bizarre executive orders and a 43-day federal government shutdown last fall, the grandeur and serenity of national parks in California remain irresistible to outdoors lovers looking to unwind.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Its coconut milk and warm-sand notes make for an irresistible combination, and when summer rolls around, the shimmery finish will give me a radiant, fresh-from-the-beach glow.—
Melony Forcier,
InStyle,
13 Mar. 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
-
Practical care makes vulnerability easier to share without overwhelming anyone.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
-
These hues add personality, without overwhelming your home's façade.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
By the time the 2010’s rolled around, audiences were primed for a foreign-film conquest.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Mar. 2026
-
There is no longer channeling but crossing, no longer constraint but conquest; the human flow can beat to its own rhythm, supported by spatial structure yet independent of the formal organization of its support.—
Elinore Weil,
Artforum,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Vin Baker did not want to return a conquering University of Hartford hero just yet.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Best of luck conquering the world today and, of course, do keep in touch.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Most businesses are open and welcoming customers following January’s devastating Palisades Fire.—
Tim Chester,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Through the implementation of strong border policies, fentanyl trafficking across the southern border has been slashed in half, leading to fewer overdose deaths devastating American families.—
Gabe Evans,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Many observers were taken aback by his haughty tone, hypermasculine preoccupation with domination, giddiness about violence and casual attitude toward death.—
Casey Ryan Kelly,
The Conversation,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Then for the first time in a real race, rocket starts by Charles Leclerc, who went from fourth to first by Turn 1, and Lewis Hamilton from down in seventh, teased a potential fight that would disrupt the Mercedes domination narrative.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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