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
Max Boehm pitched a complete game shutout, striking out eight and allowing four hits while coming through with three hits at the plate as Wellesley (11-5) defeated Brookline, 6-0. Tyler McManus, Boston Herald, 15 May 2025 In his only appearance against Dallas, Mahomes defeated the Cowboys 19-9 in 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Noun
But Democrats suffered a defeat that may be more consequential: losing control of the state board that sets voting rules and adjudicates election disputes. Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 16 May 2025 Instead, blame for the defeat should be placed on the Yankees’ inability to drive in automatic ghost runners on the road, a rather specific but repeated issue for the team this season. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for defeat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeat
Verb
  • During a stretch in which the Twins are outscoring opponents 68-29, the team is receiving contributions from just about everyone on the roster while concurrently overcoming the mounting injuries.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • Yet amid the devastation, a few glimmers of hope remain—Palestine’s U-20 national women’s team recently won the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Championship, overcoming Jordan 4-2 in a penalty shootout in the final following a 1-1 draw.
    Samindra Kunti, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Rage, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, hot flashes, itchy ears, inability to sleep, loss of libido, hair thinning, depression, weight gain, sore knees, night sweats, incontinence.
    Katia Riddle, NPR, 15 May 2025
  • The third and last lawyer was Kelsi Corkran, who represented individual families who are facing the loss of birthright citizenship, as well as immigrant advocacy groups.
    Nik Popli, Time, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • The collapse of the Assad regime in December occurred when Ahmed al-Sharaa’s group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) led a rebel coalition.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 16 May 2025
  • They're forced to work together again during the Newton collapse, and Graham's sacrifice triggers something in both of them.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Nike has mastered this by creating compelling narratives around athletes’ journeys.
    Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025
  • Topics include earning passive income online, mastering communication and public speaking skills, acing your job interview, and practical strategies to grow your wealth.
    Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Two days after the beating, Ventura had to walk the red carpet for the premiere of her movie, The Perfect Match.
    Danielle Bacher, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Richard said that the beatings continued in the car on the way home after the dinner.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Scientists at a California biotech company first identified the disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to liver failure and death.
    Scott Suckow, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • By all metrics, the High-Speed Rail is a colossal failure.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Winter Park beat Miami Southwest to win the FHSAA Class 3A boys volleyball state championship and become the first program in the sport to win three titles in a span of four seasons.
    Bill Kemp, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
  • Mater Dei rallied to beat Peninsula 20-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-19 in Division 2.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Yet Vardy took his early setbacks and used them to become one of the most resilient players in history.
    Ciarán McArdle, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • By all accounts, there has been no setback in his return from the elbow inflammation that has sidelined him since mid-March.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeat. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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