overcome 1 of 2

Definition of overcomenext

overcome

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb overcome differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overcome are conquer, defeat, overthrow, reduce, subdue, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When could conquer be used to replace overcome?

While the synonyms conquer and overcome are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related as synonyms of overcome?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When might overthrow be a better fit than overcome?

Although the words overthrow and overcome have much in common, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of overcome?

While in some cases nearly identical to overcome, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When can subdue be used instead of overcome?

The synonyms subdue and overcome are sometimes interchangeable, but subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When would vanquish be a good substitute for overcome?

The words vanquish and overcome can be used in similar contexts, 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 overcome
Verb
American Francis Tiafoe, a fan favorite, has repeatedly overcome early deficits to reach the fourth round. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 1 June 2026 It is set to overcome the growing competition for available land, a great challenge in solar energy expansion. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026
Adjective
With themes of resilience, victory, and joy as a healing balm, Joy in the Belly of a Riot is a beautiful manifestation of how poetry has the power to heal and help one overcome pain. Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overcome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcome
Verb
  • The food, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, and agribusiness lobbies do not need to defeat MAHA in public debate.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • But environmentalists and other stakeholders said giving too many concessions to fossil fuel interests would defeat the program’s purpose, which is to drive down emissions along a pathway consistent with what scientists say could preserve a recognizable climate.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • This high-corn composition lays the foundation for a sweet, approachable profile, while the modest rye content adds a measured spice that never overwhelms.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • After serving as a commissioner for tennis during the 1984 Olympic Games in the city, Burke said he was overwhelmed by the sense of community and excitement that the international sporting event fostered.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Simply place the item in an uncovered dish or a container vented with holes, and set it in humid areas like the bathroom, basement, attic, or kitchen cabinets out of reach of children and pets.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 24 May 2026
  • Eggs were stored above uncovered cilantro in the walk-in cooler and raw chicken was stored above the raw beef in the reach-in standing freezer.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado May 15, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • In Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix at the CSIO Piazza di Siena in Rome, it could have been argued that only a Roman, actually, can understand Rome – or at the very least, how to conquer its show jumping crown jewel.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 31 May 2026
  • There’s a big frontier out there to conquer, and Courseau is now enough of a cowboy to rope it, brand it, and ride it into the sunset.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Horvath has faced issues in her district, which includes county areas devastated by the Palisades fire.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 4 June 2026
  • In the case of Tom Brandis, played by the singular Mark Ruffalo, a tragedy (matricide) has devastated his family unit.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • How humans write, speak, code and compose was easily scraped off the internet, but the bots need more information to master how to stand, step, lift, squeeze, pour and perform other physical movements.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • Between Luxury Storytelling and Fast Fashion Scale Luxury brands have long mastered the art of cultural storytelling but often remain constrained by accessibility and scale.
    Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Artisan workshop travel is reshaping how curious travelers spend their time abroad — swapping passive sightseeing for hands-on hours at a potter’s wheel, a loom or a perfumer’s bench.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
  • In this process, users were no longer passive observers of the web but active contributors to the web.
    Steve Paulussen, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Recent heavy rain has also shown weak spots in Atlanta's road infrastructure as major sections of the Atlanta Connector flooded during rush hour traffic, and even forced the Waymo driverless car service to suspend operations as road conditions became too unsafe.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • The food manager and food handler certificates had expired, some beans were stored at an unsafe temperature and the can opener was dirty.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcome. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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