overtake

verb

over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk 

overtook ˌō-vər-ˈtu̇k  ; overtaken ˌō-vər-ˈtā-kən  ; overtaking

transitive verb

1

a

: to catch up with

b

: to catch up with and pass by

2

: to come upon suddenly

Synonyms of overtake

• catch
• chase
• reach

Examples of overtake in a Sentence

She overtook the other runners and went on to win the race.

The sign says “No Overtaking.”

Seasickness can overtake passengers when the ship encounters a storm.

Recent Examples on the Web

The film has overtaken James Cameron’s 2009 ground-breaker Avatar to claim the crown at the venue. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

Burger King has reclaimed its place as America’s second-largest burger chain, overtaking Wendy’s and trailing only McDonald’s in sales. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026

At times, the music overtook the gallery, completely captivating the attention of the room. — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from over entry 1 + taken to take

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for overtake

• rattlesnake
• shiitake
• undertake
• wapentake
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake

Kids Definition

overtake

verb

over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk 

overtook -ˈtu̇k  ; overtaken -ˈtā-kən  ; overtaking

1

a

: to catch up with

b

: to catch up with and pass by

2

: to come upon suddenly

a blizzard overtook the hunting party