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as in to win
to achieve victory (as in a contest) a coach who demands that his team conquer, whatever the cost

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb conquer differ from other similar words?

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

Caesar conquered Gaul

How do defeat and vanquish relate to one another, in the sense of conquer?

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

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When would overcome be a good substitute for conquer?

The words overcome and conquer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When can overthrow be used instead of conquer?

The meanings of overthrow and conquer largely overlap; however, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is reduce a more appropriate choice than conquer?

Although the words reduce and conquer have much in common, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

Where would subdue be a reasonable alternative to conquer?

While the synonyms subdue and conquer are close in meaning, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When is it sensible to use vanquish instead of conquer?

The synonyms vanquish and conquer are sometimes interchangeable, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

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 conquer The jamboree still attracts some colorful characters who see in off-roading a chance to conquer the wild expanse. Ethan Wolin updated July 16, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2025 Still, knowing that there is technology to conquer range anxiety is comforting. New Atlas, 12 July 2025 Apparently, love can conquer not only death but also slapstick action comedies about little kids brutalizing burglars. Drew MacKie, People.com, 13 July 2025 For me, that meant a heavy dose of meditation (including a silk hammock sound bath), a class about conquering fear, an introduction to wheel pottery, and several workout classes, leaving plenty of time for treatments and relaxation at the Life in Balance Spa. Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for conquer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conquer
Verb
  • But Vásquez Lasso’s partner that day, Officer Miguel Enciso, instead used his Taser to subdue Steven Montano, 21, who is charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the March 1, 2023, slaying.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025
  • The overall inflation rate in the Bay Area has remained subdued in recent months.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Becky Lynch overcame Lyra Valkyria and Bayley to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in what was possibly the match of the night.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Judicial confirmations were once a slower, more contentious process, often requiring 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Who won Head of Household on 'Big Brother'? Who is on the block on 'Big Brother'?
    David Wysong, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • Today, women in NHRA have amassed an impressive resume, with more than 100 women having won at an NHRA national event and athletes like two-time Top Fuel champion Brittany Force paving the way as the fastest person in NHRA history, setting a national record of 3.62-seconds at 341.59-mph.
    Caroline Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • This weekend, a beautiful crescent moon will dominate the post-sunset evening sky.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • While banks dominate credit provision in Asia far more than in Western markets — accounting for about 79% of lending compared with 54% in Europe and just 33% in the U.S., according to investment firm KKR — that dynamic is shifting.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the 2024 World Series four games to one.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Buhari defeated Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 in what was judged to be Nigeria's fairest election to date.
    Benjamin Ezeamalu, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Perhaps the only notable shift in Nice’s infamous beach culture is a reduction in toplessness, thanks in part to the prevailing presence of camera phones.
    Sloane Crosley, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025
  • Writers who draw on personal stories are often dogged by nonfiction’s prevailing imperative of factual precision.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The panel had previously considered a version that would have subjected all housing developments to this appeals board.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
  • Two things can be true: Doctors are responsible for keeping mom and baby safe during a C-section and also for not subjecting any patient to avoidable torment.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • Common roof framing is a true skill, and each day, there are fewer carpenters who have mastered it.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
  • In an era where scaling speed often determines market success, the companies that master front-line first hiring may find a scaling edge when growing or entering new markets.
    Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conquer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conquer. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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