as in to catch
to move fast enough to get even with she had to hurry to overtake her friends, who had forgotten their umbrellas the thunderstorm overtook them suddenly

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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 overtake Bolles and the Broncos are hoping to not only hold serve at home again, but also overtake the rival Chiefs in the AFC West. Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Former Vice President Kamala Harris was still the clear front-runner, with 34 percent support, but her backing ticked down 2 points from March — while Newsom overtook both former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Julia Mueller, The Hill, 21 June 2025 Likening it to how digital quickly overtook film and how now cell phones are being used for professional shoots, Kenney-Silver shared that advancement is par for the course. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 19 June 2025 About thirty years ago, Sonny was an ascendant Formula 1 star—cue many hilarious, grainy video clips of a younger Pitt, with a resplendent golden mullet—until his dreams were dashed by a near-fatal accident, during an attempt to overtake the three-time Formula 1 world champion Ayrton Senna. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overtake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overtake
Verb
  • With the unlikelihood of Saudi Arabia catching any strays, WWE talent arrived in Riyadh this week with no incident.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • That unique twist is exactly what caught the attention of Quinn Cosgrove, bass player for local Kansas band The Whips.
    Ramal Nasim, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • Much like the rest of the lineup, Lindor is also chasing pitches outside of the zone.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
  • In uncertain markets, many professionals chase external fixes—like résumés, certifications or job boards—before aligning internally.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Several states are reaching record high temperatures.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To lower the risk of lightning strikes, when going outdoors, develop a plan to reach a safer spot.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overtake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overtake. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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