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

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 vanquish The Oilers have clearly become the Kings’ white whale, the foe who must be vanquished. —

Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024 Those who dislike her are jealous, those who disagree with her are evil, and those who try to stop her are vanquished—righteously. —

Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025 Four years later, the Bronx Democratic machine set out to vanquish Gerena-Valentin by gerrymandering his apartment out of the district and red-baiting him. —

Cary Goodman, New York Daily News, 5 Jan. 2025 Notre Dame, at long last, has vanquished its 31-year drought without a major bowl victory. —

Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vanquish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanquish

Verb

Whoever emerged from that with the ball was treated like a conquering hero.

— Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Riders roll on 11-inch tubeless off-road tires that should conquer most surfaces, while stopping power is provided by mechanical disc brakes front and back.

— Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 23 Jan. 2025