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
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
Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Now, with so much more football and the overpowering nature of the internet providing both a platform for promotion but also ridicule, the role of the commentator is very different.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Vinegar is pretty overpowering, even to humans, so don’t overdo it.
—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
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Each fabric adds depth without overpowering the look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
Maddeningly, the cartels and dealers know just how to capitalize on that overpowering reality of the human condition.
—Sterling Elliott, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Miami Herald archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
This hair fragrance blends fresh florals with honey for a long-lasting sweetness that isn’t overpowering or saccharine.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 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
The Fresh Linen scent is light and refreshing, leaving clothes smelling clean without being overpowering.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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 irony is that few major film festivals have felt more grounded in their environs than Sundance or have conveyed a more physically overpowering sense of place.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
Country Red Another overpowering shade both Mazzarini and Spalding suggest avoiding is country red.
—Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 29 Jan. 2026
Now, with so much more football and the overpowering nature of the internet providing both a platform for promotion but also ridicule, the role of the commentator is very different.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Vinegar is pretty overpowering, even to humans, so don’t overdo it.
—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
Verb
These linen pillow covers feature a subtle fringe trim that adds just enough texture and visual interest without overpowering your existing decor.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
Each fabric adds depth without overpowering the look.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
Maddeningly, the cartels and dealers know just how to capitalize on that overpowering reality of the human condition.
—Sterling Elliott, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
In September 1984, Braddy escaped from custody three times, overpowering a Miami-Dade corrections officer and four Broward sheriff’s deputies, according to the Miami Herald archives.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026
This hair fragrance blends fresh florals with honey for a long-lasting sweetness that isn’t overpowering or saccharine.
—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 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
The Fresh Linen scent is light and refreshing, leaving clothes smelling clean without being overpowering.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 13 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpowering
Noun
-
After years of oversized, floor-sweeping fur dominating winter street style, the mood is shifting toward something more subtle—but every bit as fabulous.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Yet despite its dominating presence on Wall Street, OpenAI is getting cold feet about the company’s offerings.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
With a perfectly crispy and browned panko crust, this casserole is nearly irresistible.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The attraction between them proves immediate and irresistible.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Multiple officers were involved in subduing Guity and placing him in handcuffs, police said.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
-
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.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
While the larger Mallorca sees nearly 2 million visitors every August, and Menorca just around 350,000 visitors, Molina estimates Mallorca could see a million tourists that week, potentially overwhelming the Sierra de Tramuntana's fragile mountain roads.—
Ryan Craggs,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The camera plan itself was designed to balance intimacy with scale, without overwhelming either the viewer or the climber.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The conquest of Gaul is hailed as a great military feat.—
Paul Vanderbroeck,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Viewpoint girls begin conquest for second straight title The Patriots will enter the Division 4 bracket, one division higher than the bracket Viewpoint championed in 2024.—
Justin Vigil Zuniga,
Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Most Americans don’t want our nation to be an imperial aggressor threatening, conquering and plundering weaker nations.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
2 Feb. 2026
-
And with his lengthy playing career under the all-conquering Sir Alex Ferguson, Carrick can lay claim to such heritage.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The front lobby of Unicoi County Hospital was wrecked by devastating flooding during Hurricane Helene in 2024.—
Brett Kelman,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
-
While an eight-game winning run saw Cherki, Foden and Haaland hit their devastating best, three frustrating draws against Sunderland, Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion were characterised by wastefulness in front of goal.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Step into the domination station and enjoy.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Advertisement In the poetry of his performance, Bad Bunny showed that love is not domination.—
Taylor Crumpton,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overpowering.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpowering. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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