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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in irresistible
Related Words
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overpowering
José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026
Peppermint and chocolate are a classic combo, but sometimes the mint flavor can taste too artificial or overpowering in baked goods when using an extract, which this recipe forgoes in favor of the peppermint candies.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025
Some people might find the scent overpowering.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Most tasters appreciated that this spread had a nice taste and was not too sweet or overpowering.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Aroldis Chapman has always been regarded as one of the most overpowering pitchers to ever set foot on a baseball diamond, but command hasn’t always been his calling card.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
The irony is that few major film festivals have felt more grounded in their environs than Sundance or have conveyed a more physically overpowering sense of place.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Warm Vanilla Fine Fragrance Mist, $51 for seven Looking for a fragrance mist that’s warm, inviting, and sweet without being too overpowering?
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
India Roby, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026
The combination of Luka Doncic and LeBron James was overpowering and enthralling for all to see during the Lakers’ dynamic 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Combining the two creates a sauce that’s flavorful but balanced, without one cheese overpowering the other.
—Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
These linen pillow covers feature a subtle fringe trim that adds just enough texture and visual interest without overpowering your existing decor.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Distillers seem to like these barrels because thtey can add sweetness and a bit of orange flavor to the whiskey without overpowering it, at least if the finish is done right.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026
The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle (intentionally so, not in an underwhelming way).
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
Smoke and the smell of burning is overpowering in Iran's capital.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026
Minimal rhinestones add a delicate, luxe touch without overpowering the look–perfect for those who want understated glamour that feels clean-lined and graceful.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
Chavarria was a cult designer at the time—an unsung name on the New York Fashion Week lineup that each season delivered a two-punch of a political statement and a singular sartorial proposition, both often related to his Chicano roots, even if at times the former overpowering the latter.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 23 Jan. 2026
Peppermint and chocolate are a classic combo, but sometimes the mint flavor can taste too artificial or overpowering in baked goods when using an extract, which this recipe forgoes in favor of the peppermint candies.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2025
Some people might find the scent overpowering.
—Lisa Desantis, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Against Mexico, Skenes struck out seven across four overpowering innings.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Most tasters appreciated that this spread had a nice taste and was not too sweet or overpowering.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Aroldis Chapman has always been regarded as one of the most overpowering pitchers to ever set foot on a baseball diamond, but command hasn’t always been his calling card.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
The irony is that few major film festivals have felt more grounded in their environs than Sundance or have conveyed a more physically overpowering sense of place.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Warm Vanilla Fine Fragrance Mist, $51 for seven Looking for a fragrance mist that’s warm, inviting, and sweet without being too overpowering?
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Verb
The baggy shape juxtaposes the shoes’ sexy sharpness without completely overpowering an outfit.
—India Roby, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026
The combination of Luka Doncic and LeBron James was overpowering and enthralling for all to see during the Lakers’ dynamic 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026
Combining the two creates a sauce that’s flavorful but balanced, without one cheese overpowering the other.
—Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
These linen pillow covers feature a subtle fringe trim that adds just enough texture and visual interest without overpowering your existing decor.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Distillers seem to like these barrels because thtey can add sweetness and a bit of orange flavor to the whiskey without overpowering it, at least if the finish is done right.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2026
The scent is pleasant, but not overpowering, and the tint is subtle (intentionally so, not in an underwhelming way).
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026
Smoke and the smell of burning is overpowering in Iran's capital.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026
Minimal rhinestones add a delicate, luxe touch without overpowering the look–perfect for those who want understated glamour that feels clean-lined and graceful.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
The Wildcats were never seriously tested by John Calipari’s Razorbacks, practically waltzing into the Elite Eight with a dominating win in San Jose.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
-
The Fighting Illini are dreaming of a trip to the Sweet 16 after a dominating win Thursday night against Penn.—
Ryan Baker,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Numinous plein-air compositions, showing the patients around the institution’s grounds, assert the irresistible force of nature.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Because Perez emerged as an irresistible force in more ways than one — including to managers trying to restrain themselves.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Multiple officers were involved in subduing Guity and placing him in handcuffs, police said.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
-
As the representative for the armed wing of a human empire, you're tasked with subduing these Lovecraftian abominations and securing a foothold for humanity on alien worlds.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Bottled at 93 proof, the higher alcohol content helps amplify the complexity without overwhelming the balance.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Start by exploring a documentary, mapping a trip, or signing up for a course that stretches your thinking without overwhelming your schedule.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
For Israel, which had to vacate its Sinai conquest in 1956, there are parallels, too.—
Ishaan Tharoor,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Its latest chart conquest comes after the group — Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — completed mandatory military service.—
Steven J. Horowitz,
Variety,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Vin Baker did not want to return a conquering University of Hartford hero just yet.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Best of luck conquering the world today and, of course, do keep in touch.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Our team found that a hospital cyberattack cut the odds of surviving a cardiac arrest without devastating brain damage by nearly 90% at nearby hospitals, not just the one that was attacked.—
Jeffrey Tully,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
-
But the war now is devastating it.—
Shane Harris,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Since dark energy rose to domination, however, the opposite is true.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Us senior surfers need to stick together to hold off the hordes of nasty agro kidbots that are violently intent on world domination and the spread of nuclear surf rabies and mad Red Bull disease.—
Corky Carroll,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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