overrun 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈrən How to pronounce overrun (audio)
Definition of overrunnext
1
as in to invade
to enter for conquest or plunder waves of barbarians overran the Roman Empire during its long decline

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to exceed
to go beyond the limit of he must not overrun his authority as governor

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to plague
to spread or swarm over in a troublesome manner ants are overrunning the garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

overrun

2 of 2

adjective

as in overgrown

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overrun
Verb
Bots are overrunning the web, with some executives forecasting a world in which autonomous traffic outnumbers human internet searchers 1,000-to-1. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026 The film follows a group of adults in an isolated Pennsylvania farmhouse, as hoards of flesh-eating ghouls overrun the country and infiltrate their residence. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
In towns such as Maienfeld, the influx of mass tourism gives the impression that even remote valleys have become overrun. — Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Amorim’s side were completely overrun, and lucky to only lose 2-0. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overrun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrun
  1. invade
  2. exceed
  3. plague
  4. overgrown
  5. raid
  6. surpass
  7. infest
  8. verdant
Verb
  • Romania first shot down drones this year, marking its first such action since Moscow invaded neighboring Ukraine.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Many Republican lawmakers said the president’s move would benefit an autocratic government that invaded its neighbor, Ukraine.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of invade
Verb
  • Its quality factor, a measure of how efficiently an optical resonator stores light, exceeds 163 million.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In May 2026, atmospheric carbon dioxide exceeded 428 parts per million, roughly 50% above pre-industrial levels and generally higher than any time in the last 2 million years.
    — Simmone Shah, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of exceed
Verb
  • Speculation and conspiracy theories have plagued Kirk’s death, fueled even by public figures such as Candace Owens, a longtime friend of Kirk, who has been outspoken about her belief that his death was orchestrated in an elaborate plot.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Hoover’s replacement has thus far been a miss, and the problem that plagued this program in losses in each of the last two years has not changed.
    — Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • In a Tuesday statement, Purdue University officials said researchers came across at least four coconut crabs while clearing an overgrown trail to the island's lagoon.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The overgrown border or fence line adjacent to a field or food plot likewise can be good.
    — Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of overgrown
Verb
  • In January, the FBI raided a Post reporter’s home, as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of mishandling sensitive national security information.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities on Wednesday raided the headquarters of one of Turkey ’s few broadcasters not aligned with the government, and appointed a trustee manager to oversee the popular news channel as part of an investigation into alleged corruption.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of raid
Verb
  • In April, the Dells became the first donors to surpass $1 billion in lifetime giving to the University of Texas at Austin.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Released late last year, the short by writer-director Martin Hemingway-Moseley has surpassed 600k views on YouTube, maintained a 99% approval rating and has a strong following across social platforms.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of surpass
Verb
  • Students have drawn attention to rundown classrooms that lack basics such as desks and chairs, become sweltering in summer without air conditioning and, in some cases, are infested with rats.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Jurors heard testimony from three of Alsheikh’s victims who said they were packed into small, filthy, cold, wet cells that were infested with insects and other vermin.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of infest
Adjective
  • The album was produced by James Ford, one half of the electronic duo Simian Mobile Disco; Ford has also produced records for Geese, Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Blur, and Depeche Mode, and has a particular knack for making songs sound both verdant and raw.
    — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The drive winds through the verdant mountains of eastern Antioquia before descending into the Aburrá Valley, where Medellín stretches across the valley floor and surrounding hillsides.
    — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of verdant

Browse Nearby Words

overruling
overrun
overrunning
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Cite this Entry

“Overrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrun. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overrun

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overrun

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