overpowering 1 of 3

noun

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

overpowering

2 of 3

adjective

as in irresistible

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overpowering

3 of 3

verb

present participle of overpower
1
as in subduing
to bring under one's control by force of arms the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in overwhelming
to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress overpowered by fear of the unknown

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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 overpowering
Noun
In Michigan’s overpowering run in this tournament, Mara was everywhere. — Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 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
Feller was 23 years old, perhaps the most overpowering pitcher in baseball and entering the prime of a Hall of Fame career. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026 Durians' overpowering smell is fragrant to those who love it and foul to those who don't. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 The candle has a fresh, citrussy scent, just like its name implies, that’s never too strong or overpowering, even as someone prone to headaches. — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2026 While Barnes' final outing for the Dodgers proved costly, evaluators have long viewed him as a pitcher capable of providing organizational depth despite lacking overpowering velocity. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Reliever Grant Taylor pitched two overpowering innings, striking out four while picking up the victory. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 The playful print isn’t too overpowering, yet it’s guaranteed to turn heads (and collect compliments) thanks to its flattering neckline and retro-inspired vibe. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 25 June 2026 Baby wipes or non-scented lotion will also fix an overpowering scent. — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 10 June 2026 The overpowering moral authority of wronged women, #MeToo’s skeptics alleged, would allow cynical wrongdoers to weaponize claims of victimhood for their own gain. — Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
Verb
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 People had reported overpowering hallucinations after consuming tiny doses of acid, as the substance would become known in psychedelic culture. — Kimon De Greef, Longreads, 4 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 But his mental anguish is upsetting the balance of his cross-species DNA, first with paralyzing headaches and gradually with an internal battle as his arachnid side starts overpowering his human side. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
  1. dominating
  2. irresistible
  3. subduing
  4. overwhelming
  5. conquest
  6. infectious
  7. conquering
  8. devastating
Noun
  • There isn’t a single trend dominating dealership changes this year.
    — Sean Tucker, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The trend cycle in beauty is rapid, but there’s not one identifiable aesthetic dominating the present moment.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of dominating
Adjective
  • The sweet smell of rotting fruit is irresistible to fruit flies and draws them in through the funnel.
    — Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
  • These principles apply to the present case with irresistible force when the special conditions of the Queen’s surrender of her sovereignty are recalled.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of irresistible
Verb
  • This means the market makers, often called dealers, are the ones that have to play catch-up, adding to volatility instead of subduing it.
    — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 23 July 2026
  • Rome — The death of a Moroccan man in police custody has sparked protests – some violent – in the northern city of Bologna after video of the incident showing officers forcefully subduing the man circulated online.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of subduing
Verb
  • The natural fabric layers seamlessly into English cottages, cozy urban apartments, and relaxed California homes alike, delivering gentle movement without overwhelming a space.
    — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But this year, the number and scale of foodborne illness outbreaks are overwhelming the system and disrupting the ability to respond.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of overwhelming
Noun
  • The taboos against assassination, targeting civilians, and embarking on wars of territorial conquest are vanishing.
    — Mark Leonard, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • From farther north Ahmad Shah Durrani led as many as eight conquests into India, specifically into the Punjab and Delhi.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of conquest
Adjective
  • In interviews with positive cases, public health workers try to identify others who may have been exposed and come into contact with an infectious person.
    — Sarah Volpenhein, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The dancers brought an infectious energy to every corner of the stage through versatile choreography.
    — Maya Santiago, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of infectious
Verb
  • The all-conquering Liverpool side of the 1980s were twice fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw, too.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In the eighteenth century, while Russia fixated on conquering Eurasia, Britain developed the steam engine; in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, while Europeans fought over Africa, Americans mastered the assembly line.
    — Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of conquering
Verb
  • Major hurricanes can cause wind damage ranging from devastating to catastrophic and significant loss of life from their winds alone.
    — Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Lionel Messi has donated €80,000 ($92,200) to the reconstruction efforts of Madrid’s Sierra Oeste region following devastating wildfires in the area.
    — Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of devastating

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Cite this Entry

“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of overpowering for Spanish Speakers

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