overcome

verb

over·​come ˌō-vər-ˈkəm 

overcame ˌō-vər-ˈkām  ; overcome; overcoming

transitive verb

1

: to get the better of : surmount

overcome difficulties

They overcame the enemy.

2

: overwhelm

were overcome by the heat and smoke

intransitive verb

: to gain the superiority : win

strong in the faith that truth would overcome

Synonyms

• beat
• best
• conquer
• defeat
• dispatch
• do down [British]
• get
• get around
• lick
• master
• overbear
• overmatch
• prevail (over)
• skunk
• stop
• subdue
• surmount
• take
• trim
• triumph (over)
• upend
• win (against)
• worst

Choose the Right Synonym for overcome

conquer, vanquish, defeat, subdue, reduce, overcome, overthrow mean to get the better of by force or strategy.

conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

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

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

Examples of overcome in a Sentence

After a tough battle, they overcame the enemy.

a story about overcoming adversity

She overcame a leg injury and is back running again.

Recent Examples on the Web

This new computing paradigm excels in real-time optimization and predictive modeling, offering unprecedented opportunities to overcome pressing public-sector challenges. —Yuval Boger, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

With all the hurdles Seavey has overcome as an artist, he’s not only been determined to solidify his spot in the industry as a solo artist, but to also make his mark. —Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025

This Netflix documentary follows three young Brooklyn sisters who join a community track team and, through their dedication to running (and with the support of their team), strive to overcome homelessness, family trauma, and financial struggles. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025

Every once in a while, a pitfall of community theater is glimpsed, but only momentarily, and here the heartfelt sense of fun overcomes any little shortcoming. —Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English ofercuman, from ofer over + cuman to come

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for overcome

• nodosum
• pyrethrum
• saccharum
• abomasum
• become
• checksum
• humdrum
• income
• outcome
• succumb
• therefrom
• wherefrom

Kids Definition

overcome

verb

over·​come ˌō-vər-ˈkəm 

overcame -ˈkām  ; overcome; overcoming

1

: to gain an advantage or victory over

overcome an enemy

2

: to make helpless or exhausted

was overcome by gas