defeat 1 of 2

defeat

2 of 2

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
Unlike other characters that need to jump on enemies to defeat them, DK can throw an endless stream of haymaker punches in all directions and can even rip chunks of rock and the ground itself out to throw with precision. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025 Ironically, Sliwa must drop out of this mayoral race to help Adams raise money and defeat Mamdani in the general election. Ken Frydman, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
Noun
Former committee Chair Steve Southerland, R-Morristown, who led the Senate panel last year, was replaced in the top post by Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro ― though Senate leaders have declined to say publicly that defeat of the governor's bill was the specific reason for Southerland’s ouster. Vivian Jones, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Recent Results and Performances After losing to South Africa in Olympic qualifying in early 2024, Tanzania have only tasted defeat once more in a friendly against Morocco. Neel Shelat, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for defeat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeat
Verb
  • There can be ways to overcome the objections of the people who are concerned that new technology will make their jobs obsolete.
    Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • Bravely overcoming one small fear gives you the courage to take on the next.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Gauff, by contrast, was 20-3 at that stage, including a loss to Sofia Kenin at Wimbledon in 2023.
    CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2025
  • Businesses unknowingly employ these fictitious vendors, incurring massive financial losses and data breaches.
    Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • But stablecoins faced a gut-wrenching test in 2022 with the collapse of TerraUSD (UST), a stablecoin designed to maintain its peg through complex incentives rather than being backed by US dollar reserves.
    Steven Dudash, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Very quickly, officials realized the collapse had exposed something historic: an ancient Greek tomb, the department said.
    Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • After a spa treatment or a dip in the ocean, guests can learn how to string fragrant plumeria leis or master the art of hula in open-air pavilions.
    John Wogan, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
  • Rather than trying to master multiple AI platforms, teachers can start with one tool and thoroughly explore its capabilities.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • The Republic first tied the Goons to the fatal group beating of Preston Lord, 16.
    Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 8 July 2025
  • Shooting after shooting, a dark tally of beatings and murder.
    Will Potter July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Ensure your team members learn how to code securely, promote an approach where nobody is blamed after a failure, and value those who report issues quickly.
    Sai Sandeep Ogety, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Extreme heat can cause wiring insulation to deteriorate faster, leading to shorts or failures in electrical components.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Nothing beats a flattering linen dress for the summer.
    Isis Briones, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
  • On Wednesday, Fritz beat Canada's Diallo 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-3 to reach Wimbledon's third round, in three hours and six minutes.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Chelsea has avoided major injury setbacks through its first five games.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 8 July 2025
  • Work on Barca’s stadium has already suffered several setbacks, with an original return date of November 2024 long since passed.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeat. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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