overbearing 1 of 2

1
2

overbearing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of overbear

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective overbearing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overbearing are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, insolent, lordly, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

In what contexts can arrogant take the place of overbearing?

The meanings of arrogant and overbearing largely overlap; however, arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When would disdainful be a good substitute for overbearing?

In some situations, the words disdainful and overbearing are roughly equivalent. However, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When can haughty be used instead of overbearing?

While the synonyms haughty and overbearing are close in meaning, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When could insolent be used to replace overbearing?

While in some cases nearly identical to overbearing, insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When is lordly a more appropriate choice than overbearing?

Although the words lordly and overbearing have much in common, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

When is it sensible to use proud instead of overbearing?

The words proud and overbearing can be used in similar contexts, but proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

Where would supercilious be a reasonable alternative to overbearing?

The words supercilious and overbearing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overbearing
Adjective
Jessica’s overbearing mom calls her, which leads Felix to ask her about her parents. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 July 2025 Such overbearing tactics are sure to create new (and worse) problems in the process. Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 Earlier in the season, Amaya entered the villa as a bombshell and cycled through multiple connections with men who found her emotions and affection overbearing. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025 However, her mother-in-law has become even more overbearing, coming over multiple times a week. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for overbearing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overbearing
Adjective
  • Here is what to keep an eye out for as the Premier League makes its return. Champions at a canter last time out, Liverpool have embarked on the kind of spending spree the most dominant teams in the Premier League seldom indulge in.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Overall, the Steelers defense has often been dominant against the first-team offense in camp.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • And this matters now more than ever, during a time when universities are dismantling their humanities programs and being pressured into pandering to authoritarian strongmen.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Stricter parenting styles include authoritative or authoritarian styles.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Blood of My Blood tells the origin stories of the Outlander main characters' families, in this epic romantic drama.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The report outlined three main policy goals: improving student literacy, strengthening the teacher workforce, and empowering parents.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Avoid being domineering, but also avoid being stepped on by someone else.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 July 2025
  • My Mom Died is a heartbreaking and hilarious recounting of McCurdy’s struggles as a former child actor while dealing with her overbearing, domineering mother.
    Charley Ross, Glamour, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Marilyn Miller Language Academy is an elementary school with 526 students and a predominant Hispanic population of 69%, according to state data from the 2023-24 school year, the latest available.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Even as broadband and wireless internet became the predominant way people access the internet, AOL never stopped offering its sluggish service that connects people to its service over a landline.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Depicting Americans as arrogant, loud, boorish and demeaning of other cultures, the term has stuck and is still mentioned 60-plus years later.
    Jenny Peters, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The most radical overhaul of the tax code in our state’s history would require voter approval in November 2026, and that starts by portraying local governments as cartoonishly arrogant, bloated and unaccountable.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The unit uses tools that were once the preserve of the world’s top mastering houses and is inspired by the artistry of mastering engineers.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • From entry-level careers to the C-suite, mastering soft skills opens up leadership opportunities.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Shame on you, Mr. LaCava, for supporting the city’s new trash collection fee and for your tyrannical ideology surrounding this issue.
    Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
  • In the sci-fi franchise, Darth Vader—adorned in a black helmet, mask and armor—is one of the main antagonists, who serves as the ruthless enforcer for a tyrannical galactic empire.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overbearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overbearing. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on overbearing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!