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

While most judges have categorized such requests as overreaching or for an improper purpose, two out of three judges on the panel ruled that there was nothing out of line about the QueerDoc request. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026

Republican lawmakers disagree, saying that the approval is just another example of an overreaching government. — Tom Wait, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

His overreaching executive authority and voter suppression attempts amount to subversive governance. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

This should be a welcome sign for every broadcaster who has felt the weight of this overreaching government pressure in silence. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026