Synonyms of overreach

overreach

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈrēch 

1

as in to defeat

to get the better of through cleverness

a real estate developer who is always trying to overreach his competitors, fair means or foul

Synonyms & Similar Words

• defeat
• thwart
• deceive
• overcome
• outmaneuver
• outsmart
• fool
• outwit
• fox
• circumvent
• outthink
• outslick
• frustrate
• outfox
• trick
• balk
• impede
• foil
• hinder
• baffle
• gull
• second-guess
• conquer
• dupe
• outguess
• obstruct
• block
• lick
• bar
• cozen

2

as in to exceed

to go beyond the limit of

the mountain climbers overreached their abilities and paid for it dearly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exceed
• surpass
• overstep
• overshoot
• transcend
• outreach
• overrun
• outrun
• trespass
• encroach
• break
• invade
• overpass
• infringe
• overuse
• entrench
• overdo
• overwork
• overutilize

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overreach

Now, who can stop the president from overreaching? — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Criticizing the Legislature has become a common theme among local governments, such as Boise and Meridian, who have often complained that state lawmakers overreach and step on local control. — Idaho Statesman, 15 June 2026

During the McCarthy era, overreaching laws, surveillance, and public and private sector reprisals ostensibly targeted alleged communists. — Bruce Schneier, The Conversation, 27 May 2026

At some point, the bracket creep is going to overreach into the point of diminishing marginal returns — dulling regular seasons and perhaps ultimately even eventually interest in the postseasons. — Kansas City Star, 24 May 2026