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.
But the bandits overpowered the police and took the hostages into the woods. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 Roku monitors social media and other feedback to make sure the advertising doesn’t overpower the familiar city landscape. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 The action sequences in this film aren’t overpowering, but they are masterfully choreographed. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 These hues bring light and depth, without overpowering a space. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 2 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

See All Rhymes for overpower

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 5 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

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Nglish: Translation of overpower for Spanish Speakers

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