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overbearing

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verb

present participle of overbear

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective overbearing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overbearing are arrogant, disdainful, haughty, insolent, lordly, proud, and supercilious. While all these words mean "showing scorn for inferiors," overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

In what contexts can arrogant take the place of overbearing?

The meanings of arrogant and overbearing largely overlap; however, arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

When would disdainful be a good substitute for overbearing?

In some situations, the words disdainful and overbearing are roughly equivalent. However, disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

When can haughty be used instead of overbearing?

While the synonyms haughty and overbearing are close in meaning, haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

When could insolent be used to replace overbearing?

While in some cases nearly identical to overbearing, insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

When is lordly a more appropriate choice than overbearing?

Although the words lordly and overbearing have much in common, lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

When is it sensible to use proud instead of overbearing?

The words proud and overbearing can be used in similar contexts, but proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

Where would supercilious be a reasonable alternative to overbearing?

The words supercilious and overbearing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

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 overbearing
Adjective
Despite its innate confidence and charisma, its fiery levels of assertion could come across as overbearing. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 16 May 2025 Karen Pittman—who’s been wonderfully ubiquitous lately, with roles in And Just Like That and The Morning Show—is a standout as Justin’s overbearing mom, Dawn. Judy Berman, Time, 8 May 2025 The House debate Wednesday was a classic battle of environmental advocates against those who see the government as overbearing and over regulating. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2025 But Mei is convinced her overbearing mother only exists to embarrass while never understanding her struggles. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for overbearing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overbearing
Adjective
  • The opening two days and five games of the Club World Cup have witnessed a 10-goal thumping, a dominant performance from Europe’s champions, struggles for the best from the U.S., passionate fans on the streets and reasonable attendances in the stadiums.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Signet, dominant in bridal jewelry, sees greater potential in the larger fashion segment.
    Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • But then again, almost everything Trump does is right out of the authoritarian playbook.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2025
  • Any center of liberal and free thought from pop music to Ivy League universities is vulnerable to authoritarian impulses.
    Stephen Collinson, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Israel hit Iran’s main enrichment site at Natanz, its leading nuclear scientists, and struck the heart of its ballistic missile program, Netanyahu said.
    Spencer Kimball,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 June 2025
  • The incident came just hours after about 100 anti-ICE protesters gathered in Lower Manhattan at Foley Square, near a large government building that houses federal immigration offices and the city's main immigration court.
    Michael Dorgan , Bryan Llenas, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Carrie is described as a reimagining of the story of misfit high schooler Carrie White, who has spent her life in seclusion with her domineering mother.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 June 2025
  • Randall is a rebellious new patient at a mental institution who does battle with Louise Fletcher’s domineering head nurse Mildred Ratched.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the predominant theme of the debate was Cuomo facing attacks from the eight other candidates, who laced into him on everything from public safety and education to affordable housing production and the ex-governor’s integrity.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
  • Apparently natural selection among the Uru, Aymara and Quechua peoples of the Bolivian Altiplano took DNA sequences that are present but rare in other populations around the world and increased their frequency to the point where the normally uncommon sequences are predominant in these groups.
    Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is something dangerously, provocatively arrogant about his glorified gang leader looks.
    Timothy Crouse, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025
  • The exiled poet was criticized for his arrogant attempts to influence British and American foreign policy.
    Graham Robb, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • The unit uses tools that were once the preserve of the world’s top mastering houses and is inspired by the artistry of mastering engineers.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • From entry-level careers to the C-suite, mastering soft skills opens up leadership opportunities.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The judiciary is the last obstacle to a president with designs on tyrannical rule.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025
  • Coupled with his hateful rhetoric, threats, lies, erratic policies, trampling of the Constitution and abnormal fascination with childish superlatives, tyrannical figures and Soviet-era style military parades, there’s much to be concerned about.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overbearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overbearing. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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