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
Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
In its place was an overpowering smell of cigar smoke and a mass of humanity.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Everyone could learn from the experience of being taken down and trying to escape, those moments when your freedom depends on your ability to overpower someone else.
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Filled with sweet-meets-savory flavor, the candy had recognizable notes of broth, chicken, vegetables, noodles and even parsley, while the seasoning wasn’t overpowering.
—Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overpowering
Verb
Burman’s Mild and herby with a bright tang, this one was less overpowering than others.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
In its place was an overpowering smell of cigar smoke and a mass of humanity.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
To my non-videophile eyes, the differences between the two screens were noticeable but not overpowering.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Everyone could learn from the experience of being taken down and trying to escape, those moments when your freedom depends on your ability to overpower someone else.
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
To my non-videophile eyes, the differences between the two screens were noticeable but not overpowering.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Filled with sweet-meets-savory flavor, the candy had recognizable notes of broth, chicken, vegetables, noodles and even parsley, while the seasoning wasn’t overpowering.
—Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overpowering
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
The Dodgers have earned the break with a dominating performance over the Milwaukee Brewers, culminating in Shohei Ohtani’s historic exclamation point in Game 4.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Skinny jeans may have been a dominating fashion trend at one point, but the denim silhouette has officially been dethroned by relaxed styles, according to celebrities.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Chopped pecans are sprinkled over the top, creating that irresistible sticky topping once the buns are baked and flipped.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Color experts regard the combination of analogous hues, whether expressed in green and purple interior design or purple flowers emerging from green foliage, as highly desirable both aesthetically and emotionally, creating a feeling of irresistible calm.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Still, viewing her objectively is impossible, according to Federico Navarrete, historian at Mexico’s National Autonomous University, because the race and class conflicts left by the conquest persist.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
13 Oct. 2025
-
And of course there’s no forgetting the brutality came with the conquest of the Americas.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
That belief is at odds with the overwhelming consensus of scientists and health experts, including Kennedy’s own Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC.—
Audrey Dutton,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Some have lost a parent or guardian and suddenly must navigate a world that feels uncertain and overwhelming.—
Laura Rivera,
Denver Post,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
After a slow opening two weeks, the explosive plays are back for Mahomes and the Chiefs, culminating in their 31-0 domination of the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Matthew Stafford put together an incredible performance in the Los Angeles Rams’ 35-7 domination of the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In a story that is sometimes outweighed by its tragic end, Selena y Los Dinos manages to radiate joy by showing Selena as a human being, vibrating with energy, determination, and an infectious sense of humor.—
Cat Cardenas,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Her infectious laugh regularly pierces the newsroom noise.—
Brad Schmitt,
Nashville Tennessean,
20 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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