defeat 1 of 2

defeat

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb defeat differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of defeat are conquer, overcome, overthrow, reduce, subdue, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When is conquer a more appropriate choice than defeat?

In some situations, the words conquer and defeat are roughly equivalent. However, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

When could overcome be used to replace defeat?

While in some cases nearly identical to defeat, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When might overthrow be a better fit than defeat?

While the synonyms overthrow and defeat are close in meaning, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When can reduce be used instead of defeat?

The meanings of reduce and defeat largely overlap; however, 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 defeat?

The words subdue and defeat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When would vanquish be a good substitute for defeat?

The synonyms vanquish and defeat 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 defeat
Verb
Ultimately, the Devils defeated the Panthers 3-1. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 But Meiner, making his break into city politics, narrowly defeated her in a political upset. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
The actions of the French in denying their defeat in Haiti were certainly much more significant to Haiti’s long-term future than anything Dessalines did or didn’t do. Julia Gaffield, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 This past Sunday's 23-9 loss to the Steelers marked the Browns' third consecutive defeat. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defeat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeat
Verb
  • Kate Schneider and Caroline Handwerk each scored in the third quarter to separate from a halftime draw, finally overcoming a standout job from Bulldogs goalie Shealyn Murphy (15 saves).
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The Cowboys’ defense has been so bad, not even elite quarterback play has been able to overcome it consistently.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Kennedy sought the advice of doctors after dealing with severe memory loss and brain fog, reportedly leading to a scan of his brain that showed a dark spot in the imagery.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Following Sunday's loss, first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer defended Eberflus, saying the product on the field is a team effort.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But officials reported the collapse took down power lines and utility poles in the area caused power failure to surrounding homes and businesses.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025
  • One of them was there’s a real stadium collapse, a terrible story, that this was inspired by.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • During a trip to Mallon Farm with Prince William, the Princess of Wales mastered fall style with a black turtleneck, a cardigan, and a utility jacket.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Altogether, the ensemble was similar to countryside ‘fits worn by her predecessors, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth, who had mastered the art of sporty but still feminine dressing for the UK’s chillier climates.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The ministry claimed that some of the bodies showed signs of abuse and beating, adding that the identification process is ongoing.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • On many nights, Tamara would find her grandmother hunched over the kitchen table, poring over trial transcripts in which Erik and Lyle delivered hours of tearful and stomach-churning accounts of beatings, verbal lashings and rape.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • He has also been charged with following too closely, no registration and failure to exercise due care on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, about 62 miles northeast of Atlanta.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • She was charged with reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function and failure to stop at a scene of accident resulting in serious impairment or death, the prosecutor said.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sandy Baltimore beat opponent Maelle Garbino to almost every loose ball, presenting a constant threat on the left.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Furthermore, big banks — bellwethers for economic activity — such as JPMorgan Chase, Citi and Goldman Sachs, beat earnings expectations, suggesting that fundamentals are still sound.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The former president’s support comes after Democrats faced critical setbacks in the 2024 election, losing the White House and the Senate.
    Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the apparel industry faced additional setbacks this week.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeat. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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