overcome 1 of 2

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
Adjective
Set in a vibrant kingdom, the series follows her on a heartfelt quest to help a young prince overcome depression while navigating the challenges of being differently-abled. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 Jones said overcoming Arkansas' imposing secondary will be a challenge for the undersized Red Wolves receivers. Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025 By overcoming a barrier that limited scalability, the team has brought perovskite silicon tandem solar cells closer to commercial reality. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025 The bill also may require Democratic support in the Senate to overcome a filibuster, which may limit Republican lawmakers’ ability to impose draconian cuts. Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overcome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcome
Verb
  • Colleyville Heritage defeated Richland 30-21 in a game halted early in the third quarter after a second lightning delay Friday at Mustang-Panther Stadium.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Dryden also represented his country several times, most notably helping Team Canada defeat the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As the infection overwhelms the body, severe drops in blood pressure further starve vital organs of oxygen.
    Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That’s a fast track to overwhelm, a broken budget, and frustration.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The three uncovered slides have soft but firm padding that extends more than 10 feet past the end of the slide.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
  • Reheat in an uncovered casserole dish in a 350-degree F oven for 15 minutes, until hot all the way through.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Deftones’ History on the Streaming Ranking Deftones first conquered the Hard Rock Streaming Songs list just last month.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Netanyahu initially said Israel would conquer all of Gaza after indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage release deal broke down in July.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The disaster is remembered not just for its winds, but for the crushing surge of water that devastated rural Louisiana parishes and tore through the heart of New Orleans.
    Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The children were among the 27 campers and counselors who died at the Christian all-girls’ camp during the flooding that caused the Guadalupe River to rise to historic levels, devastating the Texas Hill Country.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Chelsea have mastered the art of the consistent grind.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • But to unlock it, individuals must first master themselves.
    Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An overhang on the stock Buffett, who’s typically a passive investor, let it be known that his successor Greg Abel had expressed concerns about the breakup deal to Kraft Heinz a week ago, which didn’t make a difference even coming from its largest shareholder.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The headset also has a terrific active and passive noise cancellation ability and is incredibly comfortable.
    Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Today’s action gives us another tool to both address these unsafe conditions and safeguard nearby residents, students, and businesses.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In a psychologically unsafe environment, individuals are less likely to challenge authority, raise concerns, or disclose errors.
    Andrew Binns, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overcome. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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