overmatch

verb

over·​match ˌō-vər-ˈmach 

overmatched; overmatching; overmatches

transitive verb

1

: to be more than a match for : defeat

2

: to match with a superior opponent

Synonyms

• beat
• best
• conquer
• defeat
• dispatch
• do down [British]
• get
• get around
• lick
• master
• overbear
• overcome
• prevail (over)
• skunk
• stop
• subdue
• surmount
• take
• trim
• triumph (over)
• upend
• win (against)
• worst

Examples of overmatch in a Sentence

an indomitable spirit that no amount of adversity could overmatch

Recent Examples on the Web

Both countries are concerned that Chinese, Russian, or North Korean hypersonic weapons, with blistering fast flight speeds, could overmatch existing defenses. —Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 8 Apr. 2023

The Longhorns easily overmatch the Golden Lions in their return home. —Dallas News, 10 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

overmatch

verb

over·​match -ˈmach 

1

: to be more than a match for : defeat

2

: to match with a stronger opponent

a boxer who was badly overmatched