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
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
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
The stench of death in Sinjar was so overpowering that Holland had to stop talking on camera.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
When the crew retracted the drill to replace its bit, an overpowering jet of oil fountained from the well.
—Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
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
Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
The jasmine and rose scent is pleasant without being overpowering, according to our tester.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Simmer natural cheese rinds in broths, sauces, or stews to create depth and umami without overpowering dishes.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026
Neither restrained nor overpowering.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
The 15-year-old hits the Goldilocks zone in terms of age and flavor, with notes of cherry, stone fruit, vanilla, and brown sugar on the palate, with some woodiness that is very present but not overpowering.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
The themes of authoritarianism and overpowering violent governments are very present.
—Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Like most good producer-artists, Tiga has a keen ear for choosing features that enhance his recordings without overpowering his own ideas.
—Cameron Cook, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026
The rich, dark wood adds depth to the table setting without overpowering the dishware.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
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
The Elden Ring sets are looking very real in a way that summons an overpowering urge to replay a game that takes 400 hours to get through.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
The stench of death in Sinjar was so overpowering that Holland had to stop talking on camera.
—John Blake, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2026
When the crew retracted the drill to replace its bit, an overpowering jet of oil fountained from the well.
—Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
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
Verb
The stripes add a pop of pattern, and the blue palette is bright but not overpowering.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
The jasmine and rose scent is pleasant without being overpowering, according to our tester.
—Sarah Felbin, Allure, 26 Apr. 2026
Simmer natural cheese rinds in broths, sauces, or stews to create depth and umami without overpowering dishes.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026
Neither restrained nor overpowering.
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026
The 15-year-old hits the Goldilocks zone in terms of age and flavor, with notes of cherry, stone fruit, vanilla, and brown sugar on the palate, with some woodiness that is very present but not overpowering.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2026
The themes of authoritarianism and overpowering violent governments are very present.
—Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
Like most good producer-artists, Tiga has a keen ear for choosing features that enhance his recordings without overpowering his own ideas.
—Cameron Cook, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026
The rich, dark wood adds depth to the table setting without overpowering the dishware.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
Despite dominating possession – the Quakes finished with a 37-6 edge in shots – the Black and Blue weren’t able to equalize until Jasinski’s towering header off a corner kick from Niko Tsakiris in the 57th minute.—
Harold Gutmann,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Brimming with confidence, Palencia then emerged as the dominating closer during Team Venezuela’s emotional run to a World Baseball Classic title.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In addition to its irresistible crunch, a slaw has much to recommend it.—
Victoria Spencer,
Martha Stewart,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Nobody talked of anything but him—his magnificent exploits and irresistible wit.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The defense was more than satisfactory in subduing the league’s top offense.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Mario himself is played mostly straight by Pratt, subduing the exaggerated Italian accent from the games, while retaining the underdog aspect of a blue collar guy burdened with greater purpose.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Dedicating one corner of the patio to a dense cluster of plants creates a lush focal point without overwhelming the rest of the space.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Critics are also worried about the building height overwhelming the area.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Away from the obvious icons lie natural wonders where ecology, history, and culture remain tightly interwoven, and where human presence has often been defined by restraint rather than conquest.—
Rob Crossan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Morris scooped the world in 1953 with the news of the British expedition’s conquest of Everest.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Built by Blueprint Construction with structural engineering by Design Point, the East River Residence demonstrates that conquering challenging terrain sometimes means floating above it.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
23 Apr. 2026
-
One after another, the avatars of Democratic success in Georgia took the stage Saturday and were greeted like conquering heroes by hundreds of party faithful at the annual Carter-Lewis gala.—
Greg Bluestein,
AJC.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
House Republicans approved the resolution last month despite conservationists’ warnings that the move would lead to devastating pollution in one of the country’s last remaining wild areas.—
Todd Richmond,
Twin Cities,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Two tornadoes ripped through west Michigan on April 14, devastating a family dairy farm in Fenick, releasing hundreds of cows and leaving thousands without power.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many Indians and students of colonialism see it as a symbol of the British Empire and the domination and plunder of imperialism.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
That Dalglish’s vast contribution in Liverpool’s domination of English football over the previous decade would have helped him in sticky spots is a reminder that Slot has little to fall back on.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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