Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for "overpowering"
Search instead for overmodernizing.
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:

To see Argentina's obvious talent, which they displayed by overpowering England in the semi-final, reduced to such spoiling tactics was a dismal sight, hardly designed to aid Messi's genius and influence.

From BBC Jul. 20, 2026

Dustin Dunwoody, Royal: Armed with an overpowering fastball, Dunwoody is 7-0, has an 0.18 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings.

From Los Angeles Times Apr. 12, 2026

Anything that adds ballast and soaks up the warm bits without overpowering them earns a spot here.

From Salon Dec. 16, 2025

Mr. Sturridge is almost animalistic and at times absurdly funny in delineating Mat’s sudden and obsessive love; it seems to draw him to Anna with an almost overpowering force.

From The Wall Street Journal Dec. 14, 2025

A strange breeze rustled through the clearing, temporarily overpowering the stink of trash and muck.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training