1
as in invading
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 exceeding
to go beyond the limit of
he must not overrun his authority as governor
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in infesting
to spread or swarm over in a troublesome manner
ants are overrunning the garden
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overrunning
Gardening apps can drain a phone battery lightning-fast, like aphids overrunning your tomatoes.
—
Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Then in 2021, the federal government, which manages polar bears, halted boat tours, mostly over concerns about how tourists were affecting bear behavior and overrunning the town.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
In the fifth, Byron Buxton hit a double and was tagged out after overrunning the base.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
His issues overrunning plays feel like ages ago.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Russian forces seized the nuclear plant and its surrounding area in the early days of Moscow’s full-scale invasion, overrunning the plant in February 2022 and holding staff hostage.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025
But using smaller rocks will not secure river banks from overrunning, said attorney Devon Lehman McCune during a hearing earlier this month in downtown federal court.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025
In its siege of El Fasher, the RSF blocked aid and trade and intercepted all who tried to flee, overrunning a nearby camp for displaced people in April and killing hundreds, including nine nurses.
—Alex De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet, there’s a way to do it right to show appreciation for the time and effort in hosting a tailgate—tents, food, drinks, and all—while not overrunning the host’s wishes.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
Then in 2021, the federal government, which manages polar bears, halted boat tours, mostly over concerns about how tourists were affecting bear behavior and overrunning the town.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
In the fifth, Byron Buxton hit a double and was tagged out after overrunning the base.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
His issues overrunning plays feel like ages ago.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2026
Russian forces seized the nuclear plant and its surrounding area in the early days of Moscow’s full-scale invasion, overrunning the plant in February 2022 and holding staff hostage.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025
But using smaller rocks will not secure river banks from overrunning, said attorney Devon Lehman McCune during a hearing earlier this month in downtown federal court.
—Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025
In its siege of El Fasher, the RSF blocked aid and trade and intercepted all who tried to flee, overrunning a nearby camp for displaced people in April and killing hundreds, including nine nurses.
—Alex De Waal, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2025
Yet, there’s a way to do it right to show appreciation for the time and effort in hosting a tailgate—tents, food, drinks, and all—while not overrunning the host’s wishes.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrunning
Verb
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This marks the first year Russia has taken part in the renowned Italian art festival since invading Ukraine.—
Daniel Wine,
CNN Money,
7 May 2026
-
Russia pulled out of the 2022 edition of the arts Biennale after invading Ukraine War and did not attend the event in 2024.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
6 May 2026
Verb
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The car-sized rover has been exploring Mars' Gale Crater since 2012, far exceeding its two-year mission plan.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
-
Hiring slowed in April but remained solid, exceeding economists’ expectations, federal government data last week showed.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
The moths infesting a pantry are not the same as moths hiding in your closet.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Spotted lanternflies have been infesting parts of the East Coast.—
Cate Martel,
The Hill,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Even as their work was winding down this session, federal agents looking for evidence of fraud were raiding autism and daycare centers in the state.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
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Who knew that raiding the fridge and pantry could taste like a million bucks.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2026
Verb
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The newest member of the Dream became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 50 career double-doubles during Saturday’s season-opening win over the Minnesota Lynx, surpassing a mark previously held by WNBA legend Tina Charles.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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Then, in 2017, Tesla mainstreamed the Model S with the more affordable Model 3, surpassing the erstwhile eco-warrior favorite Prius.—
Brooke Crothers,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Verb
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For example, funds could be used for road and tunnel construction to improve the flow of the river, addressing several public health issues plaguing the region.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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One day after teams of federal agents flooded the MacArthur Park area in a sweeping drug enforcement operation, the neighboring Langer's Deli owner and other community members spoke out on issues plaguing the area.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Police said the driver was eventually able to escape by crawling out a window.—
Sara Tenenbaum,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
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Staff started out by wearing bear masks and animal furs, then crawling into the enclosure to spoon-feed the cubs formula.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overrunning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrunning. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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