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
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
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
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
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
The stench of death in Sinjar was so overpowering that Holland had to stop talking on camera.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
When the crew retracted the drill to replace its bit, an overpowering jet of oil fountained from the well.
—Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Against Mexico, Skenes struck out seven across four overpowering innings.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Most tasters appreciated that this spread had a nice taste and was not too sweet or overpowering.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Each instance brought chest bumps and high fives from the Newcastle defenders, indicative of a team that prides itself on overpowering opponents.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 May 2026
These pathway lights brighten the way once the sun goes down without overpowering the rest of your setup.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds can add a mild nutty flavor and crunch that blends well with other ingredients without overpowering the dish.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
The jasmine and rose scent is pleasant without being overpowering, according to our tester.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Simmer natural cheese rinds in broths, sauces, or stews to create depth and umami without overpowering dishes.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026
Neither restrained nor overpowering.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
The 15-year-old hits the Goldilocks zone in terms of age and flavor, with notes of cherry, stone fruit, vanilla, and brown sugar on the palate, with some woodiness that is very present but not overpowering.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
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
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
The stench of death in Sinjar was so overpowering that Holland had to stop talking on camera.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
When the crew retracted the drill to replace its bit, an overpowering jet of oil fountained from the well.
—Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
Against Mexico, Skenes struck out seven across four overpowering innings.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Most tasters appreciated that this spread had a nice taste and was not too sweet or overpowering.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Three hyacinth bulbs in a pot adds fragrance without being overpowering.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Each instance brought chest bumps and high fives from the Newcastle defenders, indicative of a team that prides itself on overpowering opponents.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 May 2026
These pathway lights brighten the way once the sun goes down without overpowering the rest of your setup.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds can add a mild nutty flavor and crunch that blends well with other ingredients without overpowering the dish.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 27 Apr. 2026
The jasmine and rose scent is pleasant without being overpowering, according to our tester.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Simmer natural cheese rinds in broths, sauces, or stews to create depth and umami without overpowering dishes.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026
Neither restrained nor overpowering.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
The 15-year-old hits the Goldilocks zone in terms of age and flavor, with notes of cherry, stone fruit, vanilla, and brown sugar on the palate, with some woodiness that is very present but not overpowering.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
With specialist Trevor Baptiste dominating in the faceoff circle, the Seals continued to control time of possession and the lead swelled to 8-2 in the third quarter when Toronto finally snapped a 36-minute scoring drought.—
Ivan Carter,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
Despite dominating possession – the Quakes finished with a 37-6 edge in shots – the Black and Blue weren’t able to equalize until Jasinski’s towering header off a corner kick from Niko Tsakiris in the 57th minute.—
Harold Gutmann,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That sort of flamboyant overstatement became central to Turner’s personal brand—and made for irresistible copy in the dailies.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
6 May 2026
-
And the constant presence of four effortlessly irresistible sisters, each unfolding towards the light like a peony, has stunted her growth.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Officers then shot her with a Taser, subduing her enough to take her into custody, police said.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
Trump thought the Secret Service did an excellent job subduing the gunman but the White House is reviewing security for major events for the country's 250th anniversary.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The problem is magnified when Hezbollah launches multiple drones at once, potentially overwhelming a system that’s not fully up to the task of identifying the incoming drones.—
Charbel Mallo,
CNN Money,
3 May 2026
-
The Parmesan ranch of it all also didn't disappoint; the flavor mix was expectedly savory and crowd-pleasing, but balanced and never overwhelming the true star of it all—the potato.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Two days later, Moscow was due to host Russia’s annual May 9 military parade, a celebration linked very intimately with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who had revived this Soviet-era celebration of Stalin’s victory over Nazi Germany and his conquest of Europe.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
-
The conquest of Canaan is cited to show that God approves of wiping out whole nations.—
Kenneth Seeskin,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Built by Blueprint Construction with structural engineering by Design Point, the East River Residence demonstrates that conquering challenging terrain sometimes means floating above it.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
23 Apr. 2026
-
One after another, the avatars of Democratic success in Georgia took the stage Saturday and were greeted like conquering heroes by hundreds of party faithful at the annual Carter-Lewis gala.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Declining demand and cheap imports meant most mines had closed by the 1990s, devastating an economy built around them.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
6 May 2026
-
Right now, communities are still waiting on disaster funding after devastating wildfires.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The final game of Ethan Wachsmann’s sophomore season was the messy prelude to complete domination.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
4 May 2026
-
Nelly Korda continued her domination of the LPGA this year with a win at the Riviera Maya Open yesterday.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
