1
as in invaded
to enter for conquest or plunder
waves of barbarians overran the Roman Empire during its long decline
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exceeded
to go beyond the limit of
he must not overrun his authority as governor
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in infested
to spread or swarm over in a troublesome manner
ants are overrunning the garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 overran
The situation in el-Fasher was dire even before the RSF overran it this week.
—
NPR, 30 Oct. 2025
The Jays’ leadoff hitter also reached safely against Yamamoto in the following two innings, first on an infield popup with a 100 percent catch probability that Freddie Freeman overran, then when Yamamoto drilled George Springer on the wrist.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
The Mexican Army attacked and overran the Texas defenses.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
In 1669, lava from one of Etna's largest eruptions overran the western suburbs of Catania.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
In 1741, his forces overran Tabarka, enslaving many residents and sending shockwaves throughout the western Mediterranean.
—Miquel Ros, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Although the city had previously cleared Columbus Park, RVs and encampments returned and overran the public space.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025
The injury occurred on a foul pop out in which Goldschmidt overran the ball and had to recover to make the catch.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
NPR, 30 Oct. 2025
The Jays’ leadoff hitter also reached safely against Yamamoto in the following two innings, first on an infield popup with a 100 percent catch probability that Freddie Freeman overran, then when Yamamoto drilled George Springer on the wrist.
—Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
The Mexican Army attacked and overran the Texas defenses.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
In 1669, lava from one of Etna's largest eruptions overran the western suburbs of Catania.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2025
In 1741, his forces overran Tabarka, enslaving many residents and sending shockwaves throughout the western Mediterranean.
—Miquel Ros, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
Although the city had previously cleared Columbus Park, RVs and encampments returned and overran the public space.
—Devan Patel, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025
The injury occurred on a foul pop out in which Goldschmidt overran the ball and had to recover to make the catch.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overran
Verb
-
After Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, Cheney coordinated with international allies and led planning for Operation Desert Storm.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
-
In the final round of the game, Morgan’s new alliance invaded Annabelle’s group and took most of their resource points.—
Kaleb Demerew,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The rate of population growth, especially in developing countries, far exceeded the growth of agricultural capacity, and UN and World Bank reports suggested that without dramatic changes, the world was headed toward catastrophic shortages.—
ARIF HUSAIN,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The report cards show 94% of 378 public school districts met, exceeded or significantly exceeded expectations last school year, according to the DPI.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Reed also discovered that the place was allegedly infested with ants in the kitchen and bathrooms.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Discard anything that is damaged or obviously infested, tying it in a plastic bag and throwing it away.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
On Monday, the Marion County Board of Commissioners agreed to more than $3 million in combined payouts to three journalists and a former city councilor whose home was also raided.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
12 Nov. 2025
-
Mack was initially arrested in April 2018, after federal authorities in March 2018 raided NXIVM headquarters near Albany.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Saturday's figures surpassed those from Friday, when 1,024 flights were cancelled.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Jones already surpassed his win totals from the past two seasons combined.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The idea that a leak of any kind must be coming from one of the cast members is something that has plagued many a Housewives season.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Daylilies are sometimes plagued by pests like thrips, slugs, aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The flood of people overwhelmed Bajo Chiquito, an impoverished community of 382 members of the Indigenous Emberá-Wounaan people.—
Daniel Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Food banks nationwide are overwhelmed by surging demand, with long lines and limited supplies.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overran.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overran. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share