overcome 1 of 2

overcome

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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
Adjective
Sean Behrens has to overcome a major knee injury and his size as a defense-first guy, but the 2021 second-round pick can still be an NHL regular. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 21 June 2025 Yet, despite these challenges, Will Trent manages to overcome the odds and build a life for himself as a gifted agent in the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, relying on his keen observational skills and unique ability to solve the most complex cases when no one else can. Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 Both were unopposed for their party’s nominations and were able to focus on the fall general election without having to overcome a challenge in this week’s primaries. Olivia Diaz, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 During SpaceX's most recent Starship test flight last month, the rocket completed the ascent phase of the mission as planned, seemingly overcoming the problems that plagued the prior two launches. ArsTechnica, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overcome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcome
Verb
  • Mullins defeated Zhelezniakova via TKO in 2022 on an Ares card.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
  • This article gives her plenty of credit for defeating Sabalenka.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • This can overwhelm analysts and lead to alert fatigue.
    Bhupendra Singh, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Among other things, a lack of staff hampered the State Emergency Response Team’s ability to maintain a 24-hour operation that was supposed to support local and county officials who were overwhelmed by the massive storm.
    Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • In return, taxpayers received a 90% conviction rate, over 2,600 investigations initiated, more than $1.2 billion in asset seizures, $1.7 billion in restitution, and $9 billion in uncovered fraud.
    Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Marlena called the state hotline instead, after seeing her infant nephew left playing alone with a cup of water and an uncovered outlet.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The singer-songwriter first conquered the tally in May 2021 with Latest Record Project, Volume 1.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Oasis were always unashamed in their ambition and bold about conquering the world, but they were staggered by the experience of playing at their club’s home stadium.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • People were aware of the risk of fires following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and a 1923 magnitude 8 earthquake and firestorm that devastated Tokyo and Yokohama, causing an astonishing 142,800 deaths, according to the USGS.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • He’s been through adversity and grown stronger James’ drive to give back began during his freshman year at Tulane, when Hurricane Ida devastated New Orleans.
    Shane Connuck June 26, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • At the same time, niche and local players who master efficiency and identity—like Dragonfly and Goodlyfe—can still carve out major wins.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Stylish outfit equations have never been easier to master.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 33-year-old has supported taxing the ultra-wealthy, financial transactions and passive income like dividends.
    Yun Li,Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 June 2025
  • By turning passive browsing into real-time engagement, selling via livestream gives brands a direct line to their audience, combining product education with urgency, authenticity and social proof.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The officials said its investigation found that a quarter of Jewish students felt physically unsafe on the Ivy League campus, and Jewish and Israeli students were assaulted and spit on.
    June 30, CBS News, 30 June 2025
  • The administration claimed that Harvard failed to act despite being aware that Jewish and Israeli students felt unsafe on campus.
    Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcome. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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