defeat 1 of 2

defeat

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb defeat differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of defeat are conquer, overcome, overthrow, reduce, subdue, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When is conquer a more appropriate choice than defeat?

In some situations, the words conquer and defeat are roughly equivalent. However, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

When could overcome be used to replace defeat?

While in some cases nearly identical to defeat, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When might overthrow be a better fit than defeat?

While the synonyms overthrow and defeat are close in meaning, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When can reduce be used instead of defeat?

The meanings of reduce and defeat largely overlap; however, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

Where would subdue be a reasonable alternative to defeat?

The words subdue and defeat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When would vanquish be a good substitute for defeat?

The synonyms vanquish and defeat are sometimes interchangeable, 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 defeat
Verb
New Zealand opened the group stage with a win over Pakistan, defeating the team by 60 runs. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 His victory at the Procopio Cup earned him a spot in qualifying for the Rio Open – the ATP Tour’s biggest tournament in South America – but he was defeated in the first round by eventual quarterfinalist Tseng Chun-hsin. George Ramsay, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
Although not a victory, Diane Warren made headlines after extending her Oscars losing streak following her 16th consecutive defeat in the Best Original Song category. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025 Prior to her Oscars defeat, Moore’ eldest daughter Rumer, 36, posted a tribute to her mom, gushing over her pride in the veteran actress’ career. Rachel McRady, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defeat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeat
Verb
  • Every once in a while, a pitfall of community theater is glimpsed, but only momentarily, and here the heartfelt sense of fun overcomes any little shortcoming.
    Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • This Netflix documentary follows three young Brooklyn sisters who join a community track team and, through their dedication to running (and with the support of their team), strive to overcome homelessness, family trauma, and financial struggles.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • If the club compounds the loss of Miller’s offensive value by also losing Boeser, whether that happens this week or this summer, then the need for Canucks management to pull a rabbit out of a hat in grafting high-end attacking juice into the lineup will become even more urgent.
    Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The Dallas Mavericks star suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Monday’s 122-98 loss to the Sacramento Kings, ESPN reported Tuesday.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s weaponization of longstanding U.S. intel sharing, vis-à-vis Ukraine, could accelerate Five Eyes’ collapse.
    David Axe, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • From fully locked in and comfortably ahead to being on the verge of collapse.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There are more and more women mastering engineers but there’s still not that many.
    Charles Moss, SPIN, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Technology can sometimes feel overwhelming, but mastering a few simple tricks can make life much easier.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Just before the beating begins, the camera leaves the boy’s perspective and moves behind him; viewers see the back of his head and shoulders.
    Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Former President Biden took a public beating from Trump and his supporters after it was revealed Biden's son and brother profited off his name and actions.
    Axios, Axios, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Obituaries Norma Rae Long, an educator who taught sports and directed lifelong learning programs, died of multiple organ failure Feb. 15 at Gilchrist Center Towson.
    Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 2 Mar. 2025
  • When compared to other ethnicities and races, Blacks are disproportionately affected by the health burdens and diseases that lead to organ failure and result in the need for an organ transplant, especially kidney transplants.
    Andrew Jones, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For variety, for style, for fun, Bombay Street Kitchen is still the venue to beat.
    Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • While those comps are impressive, 2023 numbers were not very tough to beat.
    David Moin, WWD, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The setback has led to a period of reflection and redefinition as many members feel disconnected and betrayed.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Despite the setback, McRae took the situation in stride.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeat. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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