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
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Sadat was forced to flee the Afghan capital with her family in 2021 after Taliban forces overran the city.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 16 Jan. 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
His issues overrunning plays feel like ages ago.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Sadat was forced to flee the Afghan capital with her family in 2021 after Taliban forces overran the city.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 16 Jan. 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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The design provides a crucial advantage to a fleeing groundhog, which is otherwise relatively slow moving compared to invading animals like foxes, who may see them as little more than a yummy dinner, the National Wildlife Federation said.—
Kate Perez,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
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Sunday’s cold snap provided an opportunity to capture and transport iguanas which have invaded South Florida communities, eating landscaping and pooping in swimming pools.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Tens of thousands remain without power from last week’s storm while authorities distribute supplies and grapple with a growing death toll exceeding 100.—
Kristin M. Hall,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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However, four players for Grand Canyon exceeded Buchanan’s point total, including three with 16 points, and senior guard Jaden Henley scored a game-high 20 — 18 of them in the second half.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But for decades, sections of it have been plagued by the dumping of toxic chemicals and untreated sewage.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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This has gradually caused difficulties in living her own life as she is plagued with violent memories.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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If an area is badly overgrown with weeds, an alternative to manual removal is to lay down mulch or cardboard in early spring, which suppresses weed growth.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2026
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Then, Rick Owens turned the cut into overgrown lashes and pastel hairpieces directed by digital artist Bernardo Martins (and styled by Duffy).—
Essence,
Essence,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Pakistan's security forces have raided two militant hideouts in the country's southwest, killing 41 insurgents in separate gun battles, the military said Friday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 Jan. 2026
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Should stylists raid the closets of every season’s costumes of Downton Abbey?—
Merle Ginsberg,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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However, Qualcomm surpassed earnings and revenue expectations for the fiscal first quarter.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
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There is a chance Pasquantino can surpass Raleigh in 2026.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Greenland situation reminds me of a story about a bunch of South American cowboys pushing a herd toward a creek known to be infested with piranhas.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
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The tiny hayloft would later become infested with lice and vermin.—
Edie Kasten,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Tucked away on the North Malé Atoll, Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa feels like a verdant village retreat.—
Natasha Amar,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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Allow this verdant set of four to serve as your table’s introduction to playful meal presentations.—
Kate McGregor,
Architectural Digest,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrun. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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