Synonyms of vanquish

vanquish

verb

ˈvaŋ-kwish 

as in to conquer

to bring under one's control by force of arms

vanquished nation after nation in his relentless conquest of Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conquer
• subdue
• dominate
• subject
• defeat
• overcome
• subjugate
• enslave
• overpower
• reduce
• pacify
• subordinate
• beat
• annihilate
• crush
• smash
• quell
• lick
• suppress
• rout
• prevail (over)
• triumph (over)
• whip
• trounce
• mow (down)
• clobber
• thrash
• quash
• repress
• drub
• smother
• squelch
• silence
• squash
• wallop
• put down
• skunk
• crack down (on)
• snuff (out)
• break
• clamp down (on)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberate
• emancipate
• free
• release
• discharge
• enfranchise
• spring
• unbind
• manumit
• unchain
• unfetter
• uncage

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vanquish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vanquish are conquer, defeat, overcome, overthrow, reduce, and subdue. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

When could conquer be used to replace vanquish?

The words conquer and vanquish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

Where would overcome be a reasonable alternative to vanquish?

The meanings of overcome and vanquish largely overlap; however, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When is overthrow a more appropriate choice than vanquish?

In some situations, the words overthrow and vanquish are roughly equivalent. However, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of vanquish?

The words reduce and vanquish can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When might subdue be a better fit than vanquish?

Although the words subdue and vanquish have much in common, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of vanquish

Among the challenges were potato sack races, a trap door elimination game, and a train elimination game where a team leader had to choose between getting rid of a group of players or vanquishing someone else. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 June 2025

Rangel, a lawyer with a few years in the state assembly under his belt, had vanquished the legendary congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. for the right to represent Harlem in the United States House of Representatives. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 31 May 2025

Ron DeSantis is little more than a year removed from challenging Trump for the GOP presidential nomination only to get blown out in the Iowa caucuses and see his candidacy vanquished. —David Catanese, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025

But after 25 years without an NBA Finals appearance, like the team Indiana will have to vanquish, the Pacers and their fan base have waited long enough. —Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025