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
Relevance
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
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 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
In its place was an overpowering smell of cigar smoke and a mass of humanity.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Etzel scored later on a wild pitch — but Tolle retired 15 straight batters after the leadoff hit to conclude his latest overpowering outing.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
While Skenes made his MLB debut last year after only 12 overpowering minor-league starts, Waldrep was merely mortal in 46 outings in the Braves’ farm system.
—Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2026
Cloves have a pungent scent that’s wonderful in spice cakes but overpowering for a mouse.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
And the seasonal White Chocolate Peppermint is the rare festive flavor that tastes balanced rather than overpowering.
—Samantha Leal, Refinery29, 6 Jan. 2026
This is an exceptional and decadent bourbon, with strong oak and subtle smoky notes that are never overpowering or distracting.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025
Expensive; rose scent may be overpowering for some This body oil elevates everyday moisturizing into a full-on spa experience.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
The smell of the dead mussels, even in the open air, was overpowering.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
To properly balance the fragrance, opt for a smaller diffuser in smaller rooms to avoid overpowering the space.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Channeling some wild style with the leopard print, Stone, who often collaborates with stylist Petra Flannery, ensured the piece wasn’t overpowering, opting for a mini hemline and understated material that only served to complement and augment her refined attire.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Vinegar is pretty overpowering, even to humans, so don’t overdo it.
—Verb
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Herald’s archives.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
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On a night when the Broncos offense sputtered and Rizzi’s special teams had several face-palm moments, Skinner’s block was the Broncos’ bailout, and the differentiator that underscored a dominating performance on defense.—
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And all signs point to Malinin’s dominating in Milan, much as fellow American Nathan Chen did at the 2022 Beijing Games (Chen left competitive skating after his gold).—
Adjective
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Like the vast, uncaring jungle in Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, the Tyranids are an irresistible force that seeks to surround and destroy humanity through the weight of pure biological necessity.—
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Known for their high-energy performances and irresistible grooves, April and the Funk Junkies have become a San Diego favorite, filling dance floors with their mix of funk, soul, pop, and rock classics.—
Verb
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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.—
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The past two months of mostly sideways churn within 3% of record highs for the S & P 500 has helped to rebalance the market, puncturing the aggressive sense of destiny around many AI plays, subduing some speculative misbehavior and allowing valuations to settle.—
Verb
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Polka dots bring visual interest without overwhelming a look, pairing easily with solid staples.—
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Kovac has been cautious with the midfielder, gradually giving him minutes without overwhelming him.—
Noun
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In the Caribbean, French admirals set their sights on the conquest of sugar islands like Jamaica—the diamonds in King George’s glittering imperial crown.—
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His plays gleefully plumb the wickedest aspects of the human psyche, delivering tales of relentless conquest, Jewish perfidy, deals with the devil, and gay love.—
Verb
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Food and drink All-conquering culinary Alpinist Jean-Georges Vongerichten has planted his flag in Dublin at Jean-Georges at The Leinster.—
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The key to conquering such a bold shade?—
Verb
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Scenario two is that Harbaugh is leveraging the Giants’ rabid interest but ultimately could take a different job, devastating this desperate fan base.—
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Rubella, also called German measles, is mild in children but devastating to fetuses, causing deafness, heart defects and intellectual disabilities when pregnant women are infected.—
Noun
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Nazism’s total domination politically and socially found an aesthetic counterpart in the visual reduction of bodies to things, ecstatically subdued before the hypnotic power of a leader, force, or sublime beauty.—
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The rest of the game is pretty much total domination.—
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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