Synonyms

overpowering

American

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

adjective

that overpowers; overwhelming.

an overpowering conviction of the truth.

Other Word Forms

overpoweringly adverb
overpoweringness noun

Etymology

Origin of overpowering

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

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.

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

She finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds, four of which she tallied on offense, simply by overpowering whichever Trojan big she was up against.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 3, 2026

Lower-end soy sauces tend to have a higher salt content, which can be overpowering in your sweet cookie batter.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

Words of brotherhood overpowering the sensations of a crushing defeat.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2025

Kayak roared into Santa Anita with guns blazing, staging an overpowering performance to win a handicap prep race, just missing a track record, running with ears up, tail fanned out behind him.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023