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overcome

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of overcome

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to achieve a victory over

the baseball team finally overcame their opponents in the 13th inning

Synonyms for overcome

Words Related to overcome

sweep

edge (out),
nose out,
pip
[British]

Phrases Synonymous with overcome

Near Antonyms for overcome

Antonyms for overcome

lose (to)

2 to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress

already under stress, she was overcome by news of a death in the family

Synonyms for overcome

Words Related to overcome

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overcome

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of overcome (Entry 2 of 2)

as in preyed (on or upon)

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for overcome

preyed (on or upon)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms for overcome

defensible

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Frequently Asked Questions About overcome

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