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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overpower
On Thursday, the president revived his campaign for senators to end the filibuster as a way to overpower opposition to GOP policies, something most Republican senators do not want to do.
—
Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Even though Dune has an exclusive three-week run in Imax screens, some top studio executives and distribution chiefs believe Dune may move so as to not risk being overpowered by Avengers on opening weekend.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
In some cases, Senators fans are completely overpowered.
—Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Sophomore guard Jordan Lee scored 19 points while Kyla Oldacre helped Texas overpower the undersized Lady Bears in the paint during an 87-45 triumph at Moody Center.
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Even though Dune has an exclusive three-week run in Imax screens, some top studio executives and distribution chiefs believe Dune may move so as to not risk being overpowered by Avengers on opening weekend.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
In some cases, Senators fans are completely overpowered.
—Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Sophomore guard Jordan Lee scored 19 points while Kyla Oldacre helped Texas overpower the undersized Lady Bears in the paint during an 87-45 triumph at Moody Center.
—Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overpower
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower
Verb
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Police attempted multiple nonlethal methods to subdue the man, including the use of a Taser and pepper spray, before one officer fired a gun.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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Backed by his wife’s wealthy family, Coronado hoped to amass a fortune equal to that of Hernan Cortez, who had brutally subdued the Aztecs.—
Sandra Dallas,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Home buyers have gained even more leverage over sellers as housing market supply continues to overwhelm tepid demand.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
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Ultimately, the Gophers — making their first NCAA tournament since 2018, and first Sweet 16 since 2005 — were overwhelmed by their Big Ten rival’s size and experience.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While there’s little need to leave for dining, with the three on-site options easily dominating a weekend stay, nearby venues like Locanda Verde and Cafe Atelier could easily sub for the room service and free in-room Nespresso machines.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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Posing in a new campaign for Miu Miu's 2026 leather goods, Hadid complemented her playful new pixie with bright, block colors that also echoed the primary hues that dominated 1960s fashion and film.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bane overcame a slow start by making six of his first seven attempts at the free-throw line to reach 10 points after two quarters.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 Apr. 2026
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The Leafs overcame a 3-1 deficit with three goals in the third period, including Rielly's snap shot from the high slot that beat Anaheim goalie Ville Husso stick-side to give Toronto a 4-3 lead with three minutes left in regulation.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Japanese conquered the Philippines, Guam, Wake Island.—
Gil Troy,
New York Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
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Alienation doesn’t only spur people to conquer the system that alienated them.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The mother of a 7-month-old girl killed by a stray bullet while sitting in her stroller in Brooklyn is devastated by Wednesday's horrific tragedy.—
Alexa Herrera,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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On May 18, 1980, the north slope of Mount Saint Helens, a volcanic peak in the Cascades Range, was blasted away in an eruption that killed 57 people and devastated an area of approximately 200 square miles.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will subject nearly 55,000 Vermont Medicaid recipients to work requirements – about a third of the state's enrollees.—
Samantha Liss,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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Is such an existential shriek into the abyss, all while living in a society suffused by mind-numbing grief and nationalism, worth subjecting yourself to?—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Argyle defeated Abilene Wylie 2-0 on Friday.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
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And the Marlins would defeat one of the worst teams in the history of baseball, the Colorado Rockies, 2-1.—
Greg Cote
Updated March 27,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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