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
The best way to overcome a year of disappointment is, of course, to challenge again, which is precisely the thought on Arteta’s mind. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 While reflecting on the special father-son moment, Broderick said his son overcame his nerves. Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 29 May 2025 Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2025 But he’s overcome a lot and has proven people wrong time and again. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for overcome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcome
Verb
  • And while Maresca’s position as head coach isn’t greatly consolidated by winning the least of them, defeat to Betis would have hurt him.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Florida is 48-15 on the season and defeated its conference foe, Georgia, in the Super Regional.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Cruel and unaccountable events pile up, overwhelming any sense of normality.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
  • The ‘Willy Wonka’ phase A sweet, sugary smell overwhelms the next pod at Goodblend. Gummies in hues of orange, red, yellow, green and blue sit on parchment paper a metal tray.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • One pitch later, Savannah Pola dropped down a bunt and, spotting an uncovered second base, the speedy second baseman turned it into a heads-up double.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025
  • For a charcoal grill, grill corn on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 12 to 16 minutes or just until tender, turning frequently.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Educate Yourself, And Be Prepared The very best way to conquer your business fear and build confidence as a leader is to do the work required to be at your best.
    Michelle Mekky, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Putnam was always photographed with famous people: standing next to Charles Lindbergh, first man to fly solo across the Atlantic; posing with Commander Byrd, the man who conquered the South Pole; smiling with Howard Carter, the man who discovered King Tut.
    / CBS News, CBS News, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Sand, breeze blocks, storm shutters—these are materials of survival and exclusion, shaped by the hurricanes that regularly devastate her homeland.
    Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • The announcement comes after the Trump administration decided that Arkansas won't receive federal funds to repair infrastructure damaged by the March tornadoes that devastated much of north Arkansas, instead leaving it to the state and localities to pay for the clean-up.
    Neal Earley, Arkansas Online, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Nike has mastered this by creating compelling narratives around athletes’ journeys.
    Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025
  • Topics include earning passive income online, mastering communication and public speaking skills, acing your job interview, and practical strategies to grow your wealth.
    Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • What’s Next for Agencies Investing in Interactive Avatars? For marketing agencies, the opportunity lies in rethinking ad creative—moving from passive to interactive experiences that give users a reason to engage.
    Jiajun Lu, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Topics include earning passive income online, mastering communication and public speaking, acing your job interview, and practical strategies to grow your wealth.
    CNBC Make It Staff, CNBC, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Improper Conduct – Any member attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe conduct, or conduct detrimental to racing; INDYCAR; and/or to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, whether during an Event or on/off the Track, may be subject to any or all penalties.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Compounded drugs can carry serious risks, including incorrect dosing, unsafe ingredients, and counterfeit versions.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcome. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

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