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
Your kids will learn about pride (and overcoming it), teamwork, and striving for excellence with a spirit of unity. Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 27 Jan. 2026 They’re favored by 3 1/2 points over the New England Patriots, who will be hard-pressed to overcome Seattle’s powerful lines, explosiveness and complete roster. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 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
  • Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch also spoke before his squad defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • These therapies are not universally successful, of course, but can often save lives and defeat cancers where other methods are unsuccessful.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Visitors would stand in awe as their senses were overwhelmed by colorful images and animations displayed in coordinated displays over multiple, large, flat-screen TVs.
    Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
  • But for families with young kids, there is one cost that overwhelms almost everything else — child care.
    Liam Stanton, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Keep in mind that a covered pot boils faster than an uncovered one.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Start with uncovered cups, then increase difficulty by baiting only some cups to encourage scent work.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Skinny Pedro had conquered for each man in the camp the sacred right to choose how to confront his own death.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • That, plus some Sunday morning news interviews and a shot at conquering Cuba, and all for the bargain basement price of one soul.
    Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Grand Canyon National Park is preparing to reopen portions of the North Rim after the Dragon Bravo Fire devastated the region last summer.
    Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Through its Quds Force, the Guard backed regional groups including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis, but recent Israeli strikes have devastated its network.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Cowboys have mastered the art of entertaining and interesting better than any sports franchise in the world, but there is a redundancy that to the person who spends a lot of their money on it is justifiably checked out.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
  • At the sound level, our engineer is a guy who makes all the greatest dance music in the Latin world right now [Josh Gudwin is the records’ mixing engineer and Dale Becker mastering engineer].
    Leonor C. Suárez, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This kind of passive hydration is especially important since dogs are reactive drinkers, only drinking once they’re already mildly dehydrated.
    Brian Higgins, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026
  • This auntie is not passive, occasionally stopping by to drop off gifts, take a few selfies, and leave before things get too real.
    Ashley Simpo, Parents, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In his report, also shared with the governor’s office, Ethridge said flight operations contained critical safety gaps including no documentation that the aviation unit was compliant with FAA standards, and that flights took place when conditions were unsafe.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Say goodbye to red sauce stains that feel impossible to remove, cracks and scratches that make plastic unsafe to use, and containers that never fully dry in the dishwasher.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcome. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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