overpowering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "overpowering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an overwhelming strength or force, or a sensation that is overwhelming. Example sentence: The smell of burnt toast was overpowering, filling the kitchen with a smoky haze.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was also because the violence proved overpowering in such a tiny space.

The Guardian

It emerged that Nelis had received her bravery commendation after overpowering a man armed with a hammer while trapped in a lift with him.

The Guardian

Drug dealers and crime mobs can be overpowering.

The Economist

The effect is overpowering, dwarfing visitors as they enter.

The Economist

She was great, he wrote; yet her legacy "risks being overpowering for the two generations of politicians who have come after her, including my own".Ever since her political demise, Mrs Thatcher's shade has haunted the Tory party.

The Economist

It is a top-down reform to improve security at a time when the most useful form of protection comes from the bottom up from a security guard noticing something strange at a power plant, from a customs officer following up a hunch, from passengers overpowering a shoe bomber.

The Economist

Hospitable to well-behaved guests, Afghans are ruthless towards overpowering foreigners.

The Economist

But when the odour that surrounds a sport becomes too overpowering the worst danger of all looms: that it will switch off the interest of the general public.

The Economist

In the Klong Toey district of Bangkok, the stench from the rotting rubbish and fetid water that collect between the shacks is overpowering.

The Economist

A not-quite-abolitionist married to an abolitionist, a man who passionately defended the defenceless as an attorney and yet could also display, as a contemporary noted late in his life, "overpowering egotism".

The Economist

In this diary, which he wrote in Roman letters so that his wife could not read it, Takuboku recorded with overpowering honesty his complex emotional and intellectual life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overpowering", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being overpowered and the source of the overpowering force or sensation. For instance, "the overpowering aroma" or "the army's overpowering strength".

Common error

Avoid pairing "overpowering" with adjectives that inherently denote weakness or mildness. Saying "the overpowering gentle breeze" is contradictory because "overpowering" suggests a strong, intense force, which contrasts with the gentle nature of a breeze.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "overpowering" functions primarily to modify nouns, denoting an intense or irresistible quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term effectively conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by a particular force, sensation, or influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "overpowering" is a versatile term used to describe something of intense or irresistible force. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness across various contexts. As evidenced by numerous examples, this term is frequently employed in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "overwhelming" and "dominating" exist, "overpowering" uniquely conveys the sense of being subdued by a particular force. When using "overpowering", ensure the context clearly identifies the source and target of the overpowering effect. Avoid pairing it with inherently weak adjectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overwhelming

Similar in meaning, emphasizing the feeling of being inundated or deeply affected.

dominating

Focuses on the aspect of control and command exerted by something.

irresistible

Highlights the inability to withstand or oppose the force.

compelling

Emphasizes the persuasive and unavoidable nature of the influence.

crushing

Indicates a force that is destructive or debilitating in its intensity.

subjugating

Implies a more forceful and controlling action that suppresses or conquers.

all-consuming

Describes something that takes up all of one's attention or resources.

sweeping

Indicates a broad and extensive impact or effect.

overmastering

Suggests a force that gains complete control or superiority.

insurmountable

Highlights the inability to overcome or defeat the force.

FAQs

How can I use "overpowering" in a sentence?

Use "overpowering" to describe something so strong that it's difficult to resist or ignore. For example, "The "overpowering scent" of lavender filled the room" or "The team's "overpowering performance" secured their victory".

What can I say instead of "overpowering"?

You can use alternatives like "overwhelming", "dominating", or "irresistible" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "overpowering"?

It's appropriate when describing something exceptionally strong in impact or influence, such as an "overpowering emotion", an "overpowering force", or an "overpowering aroma".

What's the difference between "overpowering" and "strong"?

"Overpowering" implies a force so intense that it's hard to resist or ignore, while "strong" simply indicates potency. "Overpowering" suggests dominance, while "strong" merely suggests capability. For example, an army may be "strong", but its attack might be "overpowering".