overcome 1 of 2

Definition of overcomenext

overcome

2 of 2

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
For the most part, the interior and deck teams gave us a master class in dependability, working in perfect harmony to overcome the obstacles presented by the nastiest guests possible. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026 Indeed, the 5-foot-4 Stowe has helped the Wildcats (23-5, 12-1) overcome a series of injuries to remain in the hunt for the North Suburban Conference title and earn the top seed in the Class 4A Rockford Guilford Sectional. Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
With themes of resilience, victory, and joy as a healing balm, Joy in the Belly of a Riot is a beautiful manifestation of how poetry has the power to heal and help one overcome pain. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overcome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcome
Verb
  • The Magic rallied from 17 points down to win 120-117, but the Jazz defeated the Heat 115-111.
    Mark Anderson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The Cyclones, who are 13-0 at Hilton Coliseum this season, have defeated the Jayhawks three straight years in the building.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Many providers are overwhelmed by paperwork, Faustman said, and the burden is especially heavy in rural settings where clinics may not have large administrative teams.
    Windsor Johnston, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026
  • This year, however, politics threatens to overwhelm the festival itself.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Several uncovered food items were found inside all the refrigerators.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado January 30, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Inside, organizers enacted extreme heat protocols, forcing closure of the retractable roofs over the main arenas and postponement of matches on the uncovered outer courts.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The last hurrah was a free agent spending spree designed to conquer the Dallas Cowboys that resulted in their last championship following the 1994 season, enabling Steve Young to escape the shadow of Joe Montana with a 49-26 win over the San Diego Chargers in Miami.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The Ovelyn partition divides but doesn’t necessarily conquer your design, thanks to its minimal and timeless silhouette.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The synthetic opioid is far more potent than heroin and has devastated communities across the country.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In Kristin Dwyer's In Time With You (out March 3 from Wednesday Books), that's the conundrum facing Nieve Monroe, who's devastated after her boyfriend Carter dies saving her from drowning.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Despite the long history of elite WTA players mastering the art of the moonball, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber chief among them, sending tennis balls into the atmosphere still draws out the sport’s eternal, often cursed relationship between style and ethics.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The percentage of third-graders mastering grade level performance in reading increased from 18% in 2024 to 21% in 2025, according to officials.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Kelly’s John, mostly a passive receiver of wisdom and judgment, feels disturbingly like a moving photograph.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The billion-ton rock canopy provides passive containment and shielding that protects the reactor from natural disasters or surface-level threats while the billion-ton rock canopy acts as an extra layer of safety.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • She is survived by her father, husband and two children, who are suing the Dollar Tree corporation and the store’s manager for $50 million, alleging negligence and unsafe conditions.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Accounts from workers detailing severe heat stress, unsafe drinking water and a lack of ventilation and cooling systems underpin many of the report’s findings.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcome. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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