1
as in to invade
to enter for conquest or plunder
waves of barbarians overran the Roman Empire during its long decline
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overrun
Kaylei Fear, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
There are just 59 rooms scattered among 150 acres, several pools, and a sprawling terrace restaurant; the property never feels overrun.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Get the normally overrun streets of Venice all to yourself by visiting in the spring or fall.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overrun
Verb
Sports Equipment Garages can be overrun very quickly by excess sports equipment.
—Kaylei Fear, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
There are just 59 rooms scattered among 150 acres, several pools, and a sprawling terrace restaurant; the property never feels overrun.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Amorim’s side were completely overrun, and lucky to only lose 2-0.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Get the normally overrun streets of Venice all to yourself by visiting in the spring or fall.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overrun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrun
Verb
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Instigated by the dictatorship invading territories long ago ceded to the English, the war was the new government’s futile attempt to restore a nationalist fantasy of Argentina’s borders (and distract from the country’s collapsing economy).—
Daniel R. Quiles,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2026
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At least the Bush administration put some effort into its false claim that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein had WMDs, thus the need to invade Baghdad in 2003.—
Lorraine Ali,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The facilities have handled export volumes exceeding 2 million barrels a day in recent years.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Feb. 2026
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Just last Wednesday, public notices in The Denver Post flagged for three families who had recently lost their homes to foreclosure that the proceeds of that sale exceeded their debt and money was owed to them.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In the final years of Khamenei’s stubborn rule, the country grew increasingly isolated, plagued by corruption and sinking deeper into economic turmoil, with dwindling prospects for a swelling youth population and shrinking middle class.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
1 Mar. 2026
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But Republicans are worried that the popular but scandal-plagued Paxton could eventually win the primary, boosting Democrats’ chances of finally flipping the seat blue after decades of false hope.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The hotel’s signature lush landscaping comes by way of overgrown grasses, flowering bushes, citrus trees, 225 towering palms, an herb garden, and a tunnel of hedges (all kept up by a full-time staff of eight gardeners), meant to give the grounds a South-of-France feel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Houseplant roots that are damaged, encircling, or severely overgrown can be pruned back slightly to rejuvenate the plant and free up space in the pot.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Los Angeles School Board placed Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on indefinite administrative leave Friday, two days after FBI agents raided his California home and school district office.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
28 Feb. 2026
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The couple lost their initial clutch in late January after ravens raided their nest.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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City Hall’s expenses far surpassed its revenues for the past two years.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Looney did not play a single minute, having been surpassed in the rotation by Queen and DeAndre Jordan.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Soiled, Moldy, or Infested Items Clothing or furniture that smells of mildew, has visible stains, or has been stored in a rodent- or insect-infested environment should be discarded, never donated.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
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Many herbs also attract whiteflies, which will then infest your cucumbers.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Kirkton House Propagation Vases Few things liven a space like indoor plants, with their lush, verdant hues and cheery leaf patterns.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2026
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The duvet cover, crafted from a 100% cotton sateen, boasts verdant embroidery and an eyelet trim.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrun. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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