1
as in dominates
to bring under one's control by force of arms
the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overwhelms
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 overpowers
Go for a subtle scent that catches in the breeze rather than overpowers the senses.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
However, the unique culture of our city often overpowers these inhibitions, and the sight of NYPD officers patrolling as modern-day knights on horseback is a reassuring testament to that strength.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
That’s because the Athletics are scheduled to start Luis Severino, who overpowers righties.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
At 6-4, Kone is a bouncy wing who overpowers defenders with brute strength and agile footwork.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
When the woman exits, her assailant throws her to the ground, rips off her clothes and overpowers her.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026
But a dollop of ’95 alt-rock sweetness almost overpowers it.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
With most rose fragrances, the rose basically overpowers the whole thing, and this one splits the focus.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Nov. 2025
Nonetheless, her ex’s rage overpowers everything else.
—Alex Kotlowitz, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
However, the unique culture of our city often overpowers these inhibitions, and the sight of NYPD officers patrolling as modern-day knights on horseback is a reassuring testament to that strength.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026
That’s because the Athletics are scheduled to start Luis Severino, who overpowers righties.
—Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
At 6-4, Kone is a bouncy wing who overpowers defenders with brute strength and agile footwork.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
When the woman exits, her assailant throws her to the ground, rips off her clothes and overpowers her.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026
But a dollop of ’95 alt-rock sweetness almost overpowers it.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
With most rose fragrances, the rose basically overpowers the whole thing, and this one splits the focus.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Nov. 2025
Nonetheless, her ex’s rage overpowers everything else.
—Alex Kotlowitz, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowers
Verb
-
Venus dominates the evening sky at the moment, blazing far brighter than any surrounding star.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
-
This is why light already dominates internet communications through fiber-optic cables.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
This is the monthly observing window — when moonlight no longer overwhelms the fainter stars and the sky begins to reveal itself again.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
-
Excess sugar overwhelms the kidneys, which flush it — along with hydrating fluids — out through urine, leaving people dehydrated and trapped in a cycle of thirst.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
Verb
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El Nino also subdues the hurricane season in the Atlantic because there is so much heat in the Pacific that outcompetes the Atlantic, Berardelli added.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
-
Royd subdues and binds her before taking off to restore the power.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
13 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This proprietary approach overcomes challenges of surface treatment and dispersion associated with the material.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Leo consistently overcomes challenges such as low light, rapid movement, and split second moments to produce sharp, compelling images.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
They're initially separated, because of John's military job that took him away from his family for so long, but their expedition brings them closer again, reminding them that love conquers all – even when you're lost in space.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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Cruise down Market Street—skimming past buzzing tech hubs—while your autonomous vehicle conquers steep hills and tight turns with uncanny precision.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Florida’s citrus industry has been in a steady decline the past 25 years because of Huanglongbing (also known as HLB and citrus greening disease), a bacterial disease that devastates citrus trees.—
Jim Turner,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Kyiv residents endure long daily blackouts as Russia devastates the power system, leaving tower block dwellers freezing in apartments with no heat or light.—
Derek Gatopoulos,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Instead, the law subjects issuers to the Bank Secrecy Act, enforcing strict anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance programs.—
Sean Lee,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Rather than discarding the residual sludge left behind after conventional anaerobic digestion, the system subjects it to an additional treatment stage known as Advanced Wet Oxidation and Steam Explosion (AWOEx).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
This time, though, he's already somewhat sidelined by the introduction of Johnny Cage (Karl Urban), and then he's stunningly killed during a fight with Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford), who defeats him and crushes his head.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
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Over-spraying leads to streaks, which defeats the entire purpose.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowers. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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