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
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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
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
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
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Raw Vidalia onions get time to show off their mild, sweet flavor without overpowering.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026
Cunningham is waiting for a colleague to arrive with a militia of his own before overpowering Jamie and taking over the Ridge.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
The avocado gives the smoothie a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the sweet, tropical flavor of the mango.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 2 Apr. 2026
The morning may start okay with a little hunger and lower mood, but by later in the day, cravings and emotions can be overpowering.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
For as long as people have been overpowering one another, there has been resistance to power.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
While black liner has long been the go-to for bold, dramatic definition, brown offers a softer, more wearable look that enhances the eyes without overpowering them.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Mar. 2026
The baggy shape juxtaposes the shoes’ sexy sharpness without completely overpowering an outfit.
—India Roby, Glamour, 20 Mar. 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
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
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
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
The rich, dark wood adds depth to the table setting without overpowering the dishware.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Raw Vidalia onions get time to show off their mild, sweet flavor without overpowering.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026
Cunningham is waiting for a colleague to arrive with a militia of his own before overpowering Jamie and taking over the Ridge.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Apr. 2026
The avocado gives the smoothie a rich, creamy texture without overpowering the sweet, tropical flavor of the mango.
—Lauren Manaker, SELF, 2 Apr. 2026
The morning may start okay with a little hunger and lower mood, but by later in the day, cravings and emotions can be overpowering.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
For as long as people have been overpowering one another, there has been resistance to power.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026
While black liner has long been the go-to for bold, dramatic definition, brown offers a softer, more wearable look that enhances the eyes without overpowering them.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Mar. 2026
The baggy shape juxtaposes the shoes’ sexy sharpness without completely overpowering an outfit.
—India Roby, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
Without ever being great or dominating possession, Liverpool showed the shape might become an effective blueprint for the Premier League.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
No double-digit lead is safe because anyone can go on a dominating run, as Michigan and UConn both did on Sunday.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
All the irresistible secrets behind PEOPLE's World's Most Beautiful issue are being unveiled.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Creole seasoning is balanced by creamy sauce and tender slices of chicken in this quick yet irresistible pasta.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The defense was more than satisfactory in subduing the league’s top offense.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Mario himself is played mostly straight by Pratt, subduing the exaggerated Italian accent from the games, while retaining the underdog aspect of a blue collar guy burdened with greater purpose.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Thoughtful integration of memorabilia, color, and equipment tells your unique story without overwhelming the space.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This customizable, striped tote easily transforms a simple base outfit without overwhelming your entire wardrobe.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Morris scooped the world in 1953 with the news of the British expedition’s conquest of Everest.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Simultaneously a declaration of Roman supremacy and an admission that conquest may be theft at scale, these Roman propaganda events were so terrifying that Cleopatra famously chose death over appearing in one.—
Mary Beard,
Big Think,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Although Beijing has numerous options for conquering Taiwan, the most appealing for the Chinese military would begin with a partial blockade of the island, much like the one Iran imposed on the strait.—
Simon Shuster,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
House Republicans approved the resolution last month despite conservationists’ warnings that the move would lead to devastating pollution in one of the country’s last remaining wild areas.—
Todd Richmond,
Twin Cities,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Two tornadoes ripped through west Michigan on April 14, devastating a family dairy farm in Fenick, releasing hundreds of cows and leaving thousands without power.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But Jordan’s place on this list is about pure domination.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
-
With the blessing and leadership of various popes, the nobles of Europe raised armies, crossed various countries or sailed to the Middle East to fight and save the Holy Land (Palestine) from Muslim domination, something that echoes down the centuries to today.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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