overpower

verb

over·​pow·​er ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce overpower (audio)
overpowered; overpowering; overpowers
Synonyms of overpowernext

transitive verb

1
: to overcome by superior force : subdue
2
: to affect with overwhelming intensity
the stench overpowered us
3
: to provide with more power than is needed or desirable
a dangerously overpowered car
overpoweringly
ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r-iŋ-lē How to pronounce overpower (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of overpower

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Examples of overpower in a Sentence

She was able to overpower her attacker. The police overpowered the man and handcuffed him. The troops were overpowered by the stronger enemy forces. His personality overpowers everyone else's. The delicate taste of the wine was overpowered by the spiciness of the food.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The orchestration features deep sub-bass content that the headphones readily bring out without overpowering the rest of the ensemble. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 There was one person amongst our tasting panel in the test kitchen who said that the coconut may be possibly overpowering the corn. — Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 Her eye makeup enhanced the shape of her eyes rather than relying on bold colors or dramatic techniques, and her brows framed her face without overpowering it. — Colleen Sullivan, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 Known for its sculptural designs and polished finishes driven by a distinctly Scandinavian sensibility, the Copenhagen label crafts jewelry and leather goods that elevate day-to-day dressing without overpowering it. — Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overpower

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overpower was in 1597

Rhymes for overpower

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Browse Nearby Words

overpotential
overpower
overpraise
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Cite this Entry

“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overpower. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overpower

verb
over·​pow·​er ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r How to pronounce overpower (audio)
1
: to overcome by greater force : defeat
2
: overwhelm sense 2
overpowered by hunger
overpoweringly
-ˈpau̇r-iŋ-lē How to pronounce overpower (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on overpower

Nglish: Translation of overpower for Spanish Speakers

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