OVERCOME Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'overcome' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overcome are conquer , defeat , overthrow , reduce , subdue , and vanquish . While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle. // overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

Q: When could 'conquer' be used to replace 'overcome'?

While the synonyms conquer and overcome are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of. // Caesar conquered Gaul

Q: How are the words 'defeat' and 'vanquish' related as synonyms of 'overcome'?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals. // the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

Q: When might 'overthrow' be a better fit than 'overcome'?

Although the words overthrow and overcome have much in common, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power. // violently overthrew the old regime

Q: When is it sensible to use 'reduce' instead of 'overcome'?

While in some cases nearly identical to overcome , reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender. // the city was reduced after a month-long siege

Q: When can 'subdue' be used instead of 'overcome'?

The synonyms subdue and overcome are sometimes interchangeable, but subdue implies a defeating and suppression. // subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

Q: When would 'vanquish' be a good substitute for 'overcome'?

The words vanquish and overcome can be used in similar contexts, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering. // vanquished the enemy and ended the war

overcome 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈkəm

Definition of overcome next

as in to defeat

to achieve a victory over the baseball team finally overcame their opponents in the 13th inning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to overwhelm

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress already under stress, she was overcome by news of a death in the family

Synonyms & Similar Words

overcome

2 of 2

adjective

as in uncovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb overcome differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overcome are conquer, defeat, overthrow, reduce, subdue, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When could conquer be used to replace overcome?

While the synonyms conquer and overcome are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related as synonyms of overcome?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When might overthrow be a better fit than overcome?

Although the words overthrow and overcome have much in common, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of overcome?

While in some cases nearly identical to overcome, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When can subdue be used instead of overcome?

The synonyms subdue and overcome are sometimes interchangeable, but subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When would vanquish be a good substitute for overcome?

The words vanquish and overcome can be used in similar contexts, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

Examples 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 overcome

Verb

The Australian alt-R&B group relied on their literal and figurative family bond to overcome the odds stacked against them to release their new album Written by Brendan Menapace | In the study of literature, there are seven types of conflict. —

Brendan Menapace, SPIN, 4 Nov. 2024 There are two main obstacles Peltola will have to overcome. —

Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 Previous Mario & Luigi games built extensive puzzles into each location that relied on splitting the duo up and using Bros. Moves — actions Mario and Luigi can only complete together — in creative ways to overcome obstacles. —

Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024 Today, Stewart remains a powerful example of reinvention—a woman who, in her 80s, is still pioneering new ventures, defying expectations and inspiring others to overcome challenges and shape life on their own terms. —

Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overcome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcome

Verb

The aftermath of Israel’s 1982 invasion illustrates another stark fact: permanently weakening or even defeating an organization can give rise to new ones.

Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
And four hearts doubled could and should have been defeated.

Frank Stewart, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024