Definition of overtakenext
as in to catch
to move fast enough to get even with she had to hurry to overtake her friends, who had forgotten their umbrellas the thunderstorm overtook them suddenly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 overtake Anthropic is releasing a new policy paper warning that China could eventually overtake the United States in the global AI race if Washington fails to strengthen chip restrictions and defend its technological advantage. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026 Gangs have overtaken more than 90% of Port-au-Prince since the assassination of President Jovenal Moïse in July 2021 at his home. ABC News, 11 May 2026 Japan was perhaps the earliest originator of this trend, with cats overtaking dogs a decade ago. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 May 2026 And if societies don't have the will to defend themselves, they'll be overtaken by the Barbarians. CBS News, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for overtake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overtake
Verb
  • Mauricio Dubón delivered the big blow on another Maton curveball that caught too much plate for a two-run homer.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The pair reportedly were caught in the crossfire as rival groups of men opened fire on each other.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Andrew Benintendi’s leadoff, solo blast in the sixth that chased Taillon was another fastball on the outer edge of the zone.
    Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • Ocelli was chasing history, too.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • For one, tech behemoth Microsoft reported better-than-expected quarterly results recently and told investors that capital expenditures for the year will reach $190 billion due to soaring memory costs.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 May 2026
  • Magazines — particularly ones that center fashion or elements of culture that have little to do with sports — have been go-to spaces for tennis stars looking to reach a broad audience and perhaps cast themselves as more than just athletes.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 18 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on overtake

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster