overpass

1 of 2

verb

over·​pass ˌō-vər-ˈpas 

overpassed; overpassing; overpasses

transitive verb

1

: to pass across, over, or beyond : cross

also : surpass

2

: transgress

3

: disregard, ignore

overpass

2 of 2

noun

over·​pass ˈō-vər-ˌpas 

: a crossing of two highways or of a highway and pedestrian path or railroad at different levels where clearance to traffic on the lower level is obtained by elevating the higher level

also : the upper level of such a crossing

Synonyms

Verb

• blink (at)
• brush (aside or off)
• condone
• discount
• disregard
• excuse
• forgive
• gloss (over)
• gloze (over)
• ignore
• overlook
• paper over
• pardon
• pass over
• remit
• shrug off
• whitewash
• wink (at)

Examples of overpass in a Sentence

Verb

to keep peace in the family, he was forced to overpass his in-laws' frequent put-downs

a filmmaker whose technical bravura overpasses his ability to tell a coherent story

Noun

Boys stood beneath the highway overpass.

Traffic was stalled on the overpass.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Prior court decisions and guidance from the Department of Justice have set up hurdles to overcome before the court is forced to overpass a reporter’s privilege to protect sources. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025

Noun

The people involved in the fight told officers there were human remains under a nearby overpass north of the intersection. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025

With the man in a relatively safe spot on the overpass, the CHP reopened the freeway. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overpass

• candlemas
• fiberglass
• fibreglass
• hourglass
• isinglass
• lemongrass
• martinmas
• orchardgrass
• plexiglas
• plexiglass
• sassafras
• superclass

Kids Definition

overpass

1 of 2 verb

over·​pass ˌō-vər-ˈpas 

1

: to pass across, over, or beyond

2

: surpass

3

: disregard entry 1, ignore

overpass

2 of 2 noun

over·​pass ˈō-vər-ˌpas 

1

: a crossing (as of two highways or of a highway and railroad) at different levels usually by means of a bridge

2

: the upper level of an overpass