VANQUISH Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of vanquish are conquer , defeat , overcome , overthrow , reduce , and subdue . While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," vanquish implies a complete overpowering. // vanquished the enemy and ended the war

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

The words conquer and vanquish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conquer implies gaining mastery of. // Caesar conquered Gaul

Q: How are the words 'defeat' and 'vanquish' related?

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

Q: Where would 'overcome' be a reasonable alternative to 'vanquish'?

The meanings of overcome and vanquish largely overlap; however, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle. // overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

Q: When is 'overthrow' a more appropriate choice than 'vanquish'?

In some situations, the words overthrow and vanquish are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'vanquish'?

The words reduce and vanquish can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender. // the city was reduced after a month-long siege

Q: When might 'subdue' be a better fit than 'vanquish'?

Although the words subdue and vanquish have much in common, subdue implies a defeating and suppression. // subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

vanquish

verb

ˈvaŋ-kwish

Definition of vanquish next

as in to conquer

to bring under one's control by force of arms vanquished nation after nation in his relentless conquest of Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb vanquish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vanquish are conquer, defeat, overcome, overthrow, reduce, and subdue. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

When could conquer be used to replace vanquish?

The words conquer and vanquish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related?

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

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

Where would overcome be a reasonable alternative to vanquish?

The meanings of overcome and vanquish largely overlap; however, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When is overthrow a more appropriate choice than vanquish?

In some situations, the words overthrow and vanquish are roughly equivalent. However, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of vanquish?

The words reduce and vanquish can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When might subdue be a better fit than vanquish?

Although the words subdue and vanquish have much in common, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

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 vanquish Dodgers Dodgers vanquish recent postseason frustrations in NLDS Game 5 win over Padres Oct. 11, 2024 Yamamoto retired the next six batters to protect the 1-0 advantage gifted to him on a home run by his muse, Hernández. —

Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024 Evil is vanquished through evil in these movies, sure. —

Katie Rife, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 Zachary Basu 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy Trump's extraordinary run sets up RNC for the ages MILWAUKEE — Less than 48 hours after surviving an assassination attempt, Donald Trump was gifted a legal ruling that vanquished the classified documents prosecution against him. —

Erin Brodwin, Axios, 15 July 2024 Plan to continue the cultivation practice weekly for an entire growing season or even two to vanquish stinging nettle with this method. —

Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vanquish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanquish

Verb

The capital was well-situated on busy trade routes between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, and between Arabia, Egypt, Syria, and Phoenicia starting in the 4th century B.C. The site flourished up until Romans conquered the Nabateans in the beginning of the 2nd century A.D.

Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
In it, a group of alien invaders come to conquer Earth and disguise themselves in human form as a 1950s biker gang.

Vogue, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024