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

Peralta relied on his overpowering four-seamer throughout the series. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

The overpowering sound of La Murga — a supporter group that also functions as a brass and bass rally band for the team — blared throughout Q2 Stadium. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Beyond coffee, Gottsman said candidates should avoid other distractions or unprofessional impressions by putting away their phones, skipping overpowering fragrances, removing sunglasses from the tops of their heads and avoiding chewing gum. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Since the inception of Puffy, Combs has been the overpowering narrator of his own story, masterful at marketing himself as whatever shiny new version of himself he’s decided to be. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Feller was 23 years old, perhaps the most overpowering pitcher in baseball and entering the prime of a Hall of Fame career. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026

The candle has a fresh, citrussy scent, just like its name implies, that’s never too strong or overpowering, even as someone prone to headaches. — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026

While Barnes' final outing for the Dodgers proved costly, evaluators have long viewed him as a pitcher capable of providing organizational depth despite lacking overpowering velocity. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Reliever Grant Taylor pitched two overpowering innings, striking out four while picking up the victory. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Verb

This kind of overbearing, overpowering, the cities dominating the people, the slightly retro feel of it. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026

It’s bottled at a high 63 percent ABV, but the heat is controlled and never overpowering. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026

That’s likely because Sivan often sings in italics, not bold, allowing his voice to add to the production without overpowering it. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

The graphic pattern has enough personality to perk up a room without overpowering it. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026

The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Cottage cheese makes beef even juicer without overpowering its flavor. — Emily Laurence Sardinha, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026

This recipe features strong tea and sweetness that’s not overpowering. — Patricia S York, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Every mouthful has crunchy, tangy, creamy and spicy flavors without one overpowering the other. — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026