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 of overpass

Verb

• ignore
• overlook
• forgive
• excuse
• pardon
• justify
• disregard

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

During Monday’s Shafter council meeting, CHSRA representatives proposed adjustments intended to reduce construction time, interruptions, and costs by using grade separations, such as overpasses, instead of building a 35-foot wall along the rail line. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

Carnes, 46, was found hanging beneath an overpass with burns to his body, according to the HPD's statement. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 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