overcome 1 of 2

overcome

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb overcome differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overcome are conquer, defeat, overthrow, reduce, subdue, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When could conquer be used to replace overcome?

While the synonyms conquer and overcome are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related as synonyms of overcome?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When might overthrow be a better fit than overcome?

Although the words overthrow and overcome have much in common, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of overcome?

While in some cases nearly identical to overcome, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When can subdue be used instead of overcome?

The synonyms subdue and overcome are sometimes interchangeable, but subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When would vanquish be a good substitute for overcome?

The words vanquish and overcome can be used in similar contexts, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of overcome
Verb
Cameras caught the Florida guard stepping away from his teammates and leaning over Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp, who had his head inside his jersey, overcome by the game’s shocking ending. Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Still, the Mets have largely been able to overcome a lack of production at the bottom because of a strong bullpen. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025 The Hill: The Senate voted largely along party lines Monday to advance Elbridge Colby, Trump’s controversial pick to serve as the Defense Department under secretary for policy, overcoming the private concerns of several Republican senators about Colby’s past statements. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 8 Apr. 2025 One particular game on the Cougars’ Big 12 slate has been identified as one that served as a blueprint for how Houston could overcome a six-point deficit with 34 seconds remaining against Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overcome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcome
Verb
  • The Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the play-in tournament before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that would have sent them to the playoffs as the No.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In his first defense of the IBF crown, Ennis defeated David Avanesyan when the fight was halted before the start of the sixth round.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Don't let the stress overwhelm the joy of the occasion—remember, some nerves are good!
    Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The fashion lover feels grateful to now have the freedom to explore her passions and chase her dreams — something that’s often out of reach when you're tied to a 9-5 job or overwhelmed by bills.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The profile — and an uncovered logo on the stringing machine in Dubai — suggests a Babolat Pure Aero 98 model, which Alcaraz also wields.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Celestial Park, with its wide stretches of concrete pathways, and Isle of Berk, with its meandering walkways and uncovered queues, were both particularly hot under the blazing Florida sun.
    Adrian Ruhi, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The memory unit sits close to a CPU or GPU, to conquer latency and provide high bandwidth with low power consumption.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Strawberry Lemonade Any cook can conquer these fresh, celebratory recipes.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The loss has brought yet another heartbreak for the Townsend family, stemming from the mass shooting that devastated this suburban Denver community 26 years ago.
    Nicquel Terry Ellis, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025
  • At first, Tyrion's owner was devastated with her dog's diagnosis.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Now, a new study adds basic geometry to the list of subjects these brainy birds seem to be able to master.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Any club would naturally be eager to sign a player who has mastered the most fundamental skill required to excel as a striker.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Like the forest, the building is not a passive backdrop.
    Nazanin Lankarani, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Why not consider additional sources of long-term income generation, which can develop passive income to support you and your family for years to come?
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Dujarric said that nearly 90% of water infrastructure – including wells, pumping stations, and sewage plants – had been destroyed or damaged by hostilities, exacerbating disease risks and forcing families to rely on unsafe sources.
    Abeer Salman, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Concerns over substandard farmworker housing intensified after a 2023 mass shooting in Half Moon Bay drew attention to the unsafe and often overlooked living conditions of the region’s agricultural workforce.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcome. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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