Overbearing: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used to describe someone who imposes their will on others to an excessive degree and in a way that is often rude or irritating.

• Her overbearing attitude made it difficult for the team to collaborate effectively

Used to describe someone who asserts their will over others in a forceful or arrogant way, similar to controlling but often more intense.

• He was a domineering manager who rarely listened to his team's ideas

Typically used to describe someone who likes to give orders and commands, often in a negative and unwelcome way.

• Her bossy nature makes it hard for her siblings to enjoy family gatherings

Often used to describe someone who wants to dominate a situation or other people's actions, usually with a negative connotation.

• His controlling behavior made her feel trapped in the relationship

Mostly used to describe someone who is confident and knows a lot about a subject, often commanding respect through expertise or comprehensive knowledge.

• The professor's authoritative tone during the lecture kept the students engaged

Appropriate when describing someone who tries to dominate or control others in an arrogant or bossy manner.

• Her overbearing attitude made it difficult to work with her.
• He can be quite overbearing during discussions, always insisting on his point of view.

Best used to describe actions or behaviors that invade someone's privacy or personal space, typically in a rude or unwelcome way.

• The intrusive questions from the reporter made her uncomfortable.
• His intrusive behavior made everyone in the room uneasy.

Used when someone unnecessarily involves themselves in other people's affairs, often causing inconvenience or annoyance.

• He's always interfering in our projects without understanding the full scope.
• I wish she would stop interfering and let me handle it on my own.

Used to describe someone who is constantly trying to involve themselves in matters that do not concern them, often seen as irritating or annoying.

• Her meddlesome neighbor wouldn't stop asking about her personal life.
• The meddlesome actions of the committee slowed down the whole process.