1
as in to subdue
to bring under one's control by force of arms
the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to overwhelm
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress
overpowered by fear of the unknown
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in irresistible
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overpowering
Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 22 Aug. 2025
On many occasions, City players were physically overpowered or suffered lapses in concentration, resulting in shots on their goal.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
This is a very smooth, drinkable wheat with low carbonation and just the right amount of orange sweetness without being overpowering.
—Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overpowering
Verb
Etzel scored later on a wild pitch — but Tolle retired 15 straight batters after the leadoff hit to conclude his latest overpowering outing.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Noun
The frosting has an artificial-sweetener flavor that overpowers everything.
—Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 22 Aug. 2025
On many occasions, City players were physically overpowered or suffered lapses in concentration, resulting in shots on their goal.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The orchestra, faithfully recreating ABBA’s arrangements, can be a bit loud, at times overpowering the vocal performances, especially Amy Weaver’s.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025
This is a very smooth, drinkable wheat with low carbonation and just the right amount of orange sweetness without being overpowering.
—Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overpowering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
The End Result With short-form video dominating (TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts), 4-Minute Money Maker is timed for viewers in search of snappy, high-impact content.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
The dominating doubles partners matched in white tennis dresses and sneakers while facing off against Mercedes Paz and Rika Hiraki during a match in 1998.—
Diane J. Cho,
People.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Consistency plus the right message aimed at the right people makes your account irresistible to dream clients.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
And while politicians know that there are costs to besieging an independent central bank – financial markets may react negatively or inflation may flare up – short-term control of a powerful policy tool can prove irresistible.—
Ana Carolina Garriga,
The Conversation,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The domestication of the horse was one of humanity’s great turning points, powering agriculture, trade, migration, and conquest.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Ukraine accuses Russia of trampling over its sovereignty with an imperial war of conquest.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The legislation passed through the Nevada State Assembly and Senate with overwhelming support from Democratic leadership and was signed into law by Republican Governor Joe Lombardo.—
Erica Mosca,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The Jaron feels very generous but not overwhelming.—
Zoë Sessums,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Weaker unions mean workers have less influence over tax policy, leading to elite domination and faster profit growth in low-union companies.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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And without a strong political center, Japan will be less able to resist Chinese domination of Asia or sustain international cooperation on free economic exchange.—
Mireya Solís,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Team productivity decreases across the board, and worse, disengagement becomes infectious.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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This year has also seen the largest measles outbreak since the highly infectious virus was declared eliminated from the country in 2000.—
Jon Brodkin,
ArsTechnica,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.
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