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Synonyms

overpowering

American  
[oh-ver-pou-er-ing] / ˌoʊ vərˈpaʊ ər ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. that overpowers; overwhelming.

    an overpowering conviction of the truth.


overpowering British  
/ ˌəʊvəˈpaʊərɪŋ /

adjective

  1. so strong or intense as to be unbearable

  2. so powerful as to crush or conquer

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of overpowering

First recorded in 1690–1700; overpower + -ing 2

Vocabulary lists containing overpowering

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

It’s both salty and sweet, without feeling overpowering on either end of the flavor scale.

From Salon Jul. 20, 2026

No pitcher has been as overpowering as Garcia was under the lights.

From Los Angeles Times May 31, 2026

It left Brian and his neighbours dealing with smoke, ash and an overpowering "chemical" smell which some described as like living in a "war zone".

From BBC Feb. 12, 2026

More shocking still, Cignetti has the Hoosiers overpowering opponents and outmuscling stars, despite a roster that doesn’t feature a single five-star recruit.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 2, 2026

“But it isn’t as overpowering on a plane as it is on a ship. I’m glad we’re far above and can’t hear the roar of the waves!”

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

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