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
To solve this, XPENG overcame the limitations of silicon suppliers like Nvidia and built its own. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 May 2026 Behind every student who walks across the commencement stage is a story filled with challenges overcome, sacrifices made and people who helped make that moment possible. Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 19 May 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 left fielder had a big night against one of his former teams with a home run and four RBIs on Thursday as the Chicago White Sox defeated the Royals 6-2 in front of 14,913 at Rate Field.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • The missile will reportedly have a host of capabilities intended to defeat ballistic missile defenses, but Russia has not built a good track record with the vehicle.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Aging in ex-bourbon oak barrels adds vanilla and caramel notes without overwhelming the spirit’s lighter structure.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • To allow your anger at the cosmic unluckiness of a friend’s far-too-early passing be overwhelmed by your gratitude at the cosmic luckiness of ever having met them at all.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Eggs were stored above uncovered cilantro in the walk-in cooler and raw chicken was stored above the raw beef in the reach-in standing freezer.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado May 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
  • Simply place the item in an uncovered dish or a container vented with holes, and set it in humid areas like the bathroom, basement, attic, or kitchen cabinets out of reach of children and pets.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • China seems to be the place to visit for world leaders over the past two weeks, and not simply for runners wanting to conquer the Great Wall Marathon over the weekend.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • But soon the 50-year-old character actor will be joining the DCU and plotting to conquer and collect the world as Brainiac, the villain of James Gunn’s Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • The trouble was that the British economy was fragile—most mortgages in the UK at the time had variable rates, so raising interest rates would devastate British homeowners.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 14 May 2026
  • Sarah Konwahahawi Herne was devastated.
    Brian Mann, NPR, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • For those who haven't yet mastered these basics but want to get in better shape, Langowski shared some advice on how to get started.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
  • If all goes according to plan, this is the version of Starship that SpaceX will use to begin experimenting with in-orbit refueling, a capability engineers must master before sending ships anywhere farther than low-Earth orbit.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Legislation and lawmakers revolved around it in a predictable, if not always passive, pattern.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 15 May 2026
  • Pointing up the cinematic objectification of women, the work transformed the female body from a passive, sexualized object to an active participant in a public action in which players were forced to reckon with the roles assigned them by a patriarchal society.
    News Desk, Artforum, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Thus, young riders may attempt unsafe stunts or travel at unsafe speeds.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • City officials have stressed the random attack on the popular trail doesn’t mean the trail is unsafe.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcome. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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