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

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

No pitcher has been as overpowering as Garcia was under the lights. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

There was no overpowering onion, which drives me nuts in potato salad. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 27 Apr. 2026

The Elden Ring sets are looking very real in a way that summons an overpowering urge to replay a game that takes 400 hours to get through. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026

Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering. — Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026

Verb

Plus, its subtle scent is refreshing rather than overpowering. — Sara Coughlin, Allure, 9 July 2026

Eaten right out of the bag, the vinegar hit in this extra-sour bread is overpowering, but the flavor is tamed when it’s toasted. — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 July 2026

The desire for freedom is overpowering, as is the potential for impulsive and rash decisions made in the moment. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Almond butter offers an earthy nuttiness without totally overpowering the smoothie’s flavor—for more, use peanut butter, or try cashew for something more mild. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026

Tory Burch Sublime Shimmer Ideal for weddings, summer parties and evening dinners, adding subtle luminosity without overpowering your look. — Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

The overpowering scent of the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is meant to trick carrion beetles and flies to visit and pollinate the flowers. — Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 25 June 2026

Footage emerged of hundreds of Norwegian fans chanting and rowing in the center of Times Square, somewhat overpowering a communal yoga class. — William Jones, NPR, 25 June 2026

Plug-ins require frequent swapping and tend to burn through oil unevenly, meaning one room is overpowering while another has gone flat. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026