OVERPOWER Synonyms: 78 Similar and Opposite Words

overpower

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈpau̇(-ə)r

Definition of overpower

as in to subdue

to bring under one's control by force of arms the invading army overpowered the countryside with lightning speed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to overwhelm

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress overpowered by fear of the unknown

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 overpower Bungie quickly got out a few nerfs to items or bugs that were trivializing every boss encounter in the game, but if there is one outlier overpowered meta, that’s just going to stay. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The overpowering scent of the corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is meant to trick carrion beetles and flies to visit and pollinate the flowers. — Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 25 June 2026 Almond butter offers an earthy nuttiness without totally overpowering the smoothie’s flavor—for more, use peanut butter, or try cashew for something more mild. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026 Footage emerged of hundreds of Norwegian fans chanting and rowing in the center of Times Square, somewhat overpowering a communal yoga class. — William Jones, NPR, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overpower

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overpower

Verb

Cops on foot chased the teen down, using a Taser to subdue him near Rogers Ave.

— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
For all the bombast surrounding the official proceedings, beginning with the UFC fight at the White House, elsewhere the mood has seemed subdued.

— Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

Definition of subdue

Verb

The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.

— Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
But the ownership group is overwhelmed by left-wing politics.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of overwhelm

Verb

The stock-specific approach contrasts with expectations that the surge in Korean and Taiwanese stock markets, dominated by local chip giants, would spill over into China more broadly.

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 7 July 2026
Mexico dominated much of the match, yet England overcame playing most of the second half a man down after a red card.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Definition of dominate

Verb

The rookie point guard overcame early shooting struggles to lead all scorers with 25 points.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
The telecommunications giant’s fight to end landline service is playing out in the FCC and federal court, amid an underlying battle over how much power the agency has to overcome decisions by states.

— Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 4 July 2026

Definition of overcome

Verb

Twin earthquakes on June 24 devastated Venezuela, with more than 3,300 deaths and more than 30,000 people reported missing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Their larvae, which burrow into the flesh of cattle and can be fatal if untreated, can devastate wildlife and bring financial ruin to ranchers.

— Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of devastate

Verb

This particular issue has to do with Washington state provisions that allow shelters to refuse to notify parents when minors are seeking gender-affirming care if the shelters conclude that the parents might subject the child to abuse or neglect.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Other states are subjecting their wealthiest residents to new income taxes, rather than taxing assets.

— Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of subject

Verb

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty-kick shootout Friday after the teams played to a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes in Arlington, Texas.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
The short version is that after defeating the Kilrathi at the climax of Wing Commander 3, Mark Hamill’s Christopher Blair retires to a backwater world to live out a life in peace and obscurity.

— Lee Hutchinson, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026

Definition of defeat

Browse Nearby Words

overpluses

overpower

overpowered

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“Overpower.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overpower. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of overpower

verb

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