overbear

verb

over·​bear ˌō-vər-ˈber How to pronounce overbear (audio)
overbore ˌō-vər-ˈbȯr How to pronounce overbear (audio) ; overborne ˌō-vər-ˈbȯrn How to pronounce overbear (audio) also overborn ˌō-vər-ˈbȯrn How to pronounce overbear (audio) ; overbearing
Synonyms of overbearnext

transitive verb

1
: to bring down by superior weight or force : overwhelm
2
a
: to domineer over
Robin tries to keep quiet. He cannot overbear her …—A. S. Byatt
b
: to surpass in importance or cogency : outweigh

Synonyms of overbear

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Examples of overbear in a Sentence

that year the football team simply overbore opponent after opponent with steamroller ruthlessness
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Meticulous but never overbearing staff ensure that everything flows without a hitch. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Givens will play Senator Mulrooney, an intellectual conservative, overbearing both as a parent and a partner. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 July 2026 Triple entry doors open into rooms that feel generous and far from overbearing. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026 But her voice in the actual album mixes is less grating than the singles’ mixes imply, and the lyrics understand what’s cool and also overbearing about her overarching persona. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overbear

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overbear was in 1535

Rhymes for overbear

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Browse Nearby Words

overbanking
overbear
overbearance
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Cite this Entry

“Overbear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overbear. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overbear

verb
over·​bear ˌō-vər-ˈba(ə)r How to pronounce overbear (audio)
-ˈbe(ə)r
overbore -ˈbō(ə)r How to pronounce overbear (audio)
-ˈbȯ(ə)r
 ; overborne -ˈbō(ə)rn How to pronounce overbear (audio)
-ˈbȯ(ə)rn
 also overborn -ˈbȯ(ə)rn How to pronounce overbear (audio) ; overbearing
1
: to bring down by a stronger weight or force : overpower
2
: to exceed in importance or forcefulness : outweigh
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