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
The metal-and-white motif of the subway car was overtaken by blue and orange, and the conductor’s announcements were drowned out by chants.
—
Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
The company’s valuation since then has soared close to $3 trillion, even overtaking Jeff Bezos’s Amazon at one point.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 June 2026
The next one on his list — apart from overtaking Klose — should be becoming only the third player, after Just Fontaine in 1958 and Jairzinho in 1970, to score in six consecutive World Cup appearances.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Fan favorite Keegan Bradley overtook him on the final hole, despite not having led all tournament until that point.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overtake
Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 June 2026
The company’s valuation since then has soared close to $3 trillion, even overtaking Jeff Bezos’s Amazon at one point.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 June 2026
The next one on his list — apart from overtaking Klose — should be becoming only the third player, after Just Fontaine in 1958 and Jairzinho in 1970, to score in six consecutive World Cup appearances.
—Jay Harris, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Fan favorite Keegan Bradley overtook him on the final hole, despite not having led all tournament until that point.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for overtake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overtake
Verb
-
If caught in a rip current, remain calm.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
The Marlins chased Giants starter Trevor McDonald (2-5) during a four-run fourth.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 June 2026
-
The little girls’ mother, Jasmine Jackson, 21, had been reportedly chased by Watts just before the shooting but was not injured.—
Sara-James Ranta,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
The ship reached the port on June 19 with a 61-foot female fin whale on its bow, according to NOAA Fisheries Alaska.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
Ultrasound can also reach deeper into the brain than any other non-invasive technology, enabling it to target important deep brain structures.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overtake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overtake. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
