Synonyms of overtake

overtake

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈtāk 

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

• catch
• chase
• reach
• pursue
• catch up (with)
• overhaul
• gain
• pass
• surpass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fall short

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overtake

Though the Labour Party has overtaken Reform UK in several polls, early tremors in the bond market, driven by uncertainties over Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s agenda, could well lead to more political instability. — Jeremy Hunt, Washington Post, 18 Aug. 2026

Flood waters had overtaken other roadways in the area in Noblesville as well, including Edith Avenue at its intersection with Boulder Driver. — Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 15 Aug. 2026

That cost millions of layoffs, but helped propel China to overtake Japan as the second-largest economy behind the United States in 2010. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

In a fair sporting world, clubs with inefficient recruitment operations would be overtaken by smarter efforts, like those showcased at Brighton. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026