Synonyms of overtook

overtook

verb

past tense of overtake

as in caught

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• caught
• chased
• reached
• pursued
• overhauled
• caught up (with)
• surpassed
• passed
• gained

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fell short

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overtook

As the novel coronavirus overtook daily life, in the spring of 2020, our celebrities occupied uneasy terrain. — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026

Graham Platner—who was running competitively in polls against Susan Collins, the Republican senator from Maine, before scandals overtook him—preceded El-Sayed as the movement’s cause célèbre. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

Matthews was part of a helitack crew that deployed emergency shelters as fast-moving flames overtook them, killing three colleagues at the scene and injuring him and a colleague. — Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

This season, Perez overtook Brett for the most homers at Kauffman Stadium. — Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

On July 17, Apple overtook Nvidia to become the world’s most valuable company. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Samsung, which recently eclipsed Apple to reclaim its title as top smartphone maker in the world, overtook central London on Wednesday for its biannual Galaxy Unpacked event, rolling out three new smartphones and a suite of wearable devices. — Marc Saltzman, USA Today, 22 July 2026

When Miller’s family posted the call for donations, backlash rapidly overtook support. — Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Modi’s recent visit to Australia - where India overtook the England as the top country for Australians born overseas last year - also sparked anti-India protests. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 15 July 2026