overpass

1 of 2

verb

over·​pass ˌō-vər-ˈpas 

overpassed; overpassing; overpasses

transitive verb

1

: to pass across, over, or beyond : cross

also : surpass

2

: transgress

3

: disregard, ignore

overpass

2 of 2

noun

over·​pass ˈō-vər-ˌpas 

: a crossing of two highways or of a highway and pedestrian path or railroad at different levels where clearance to traffic on the lower level is obtained by elevating the higher level

also : the upper level of such a crossing

Synonyms

Verb

• blink (at)
• brush (aside or off)
• condone
• discount
• disregard
• excuse
• forgive
• gloss (over)
• gloze (over)
• ignore
• overlook
• paper over
• pardon
• pass over
• remit
• shrug off
• whitewash
• wink (at)

Examples of overpass in a Sentence

Verb

to keep peace in the family, he was forced to overpass his in-laws' frequent put-downs

a filmmaker whose technical bravura overpasses his ability to tell a coherent story

Noun

Boys stood beneath the highway overpass.

Traffic was stalled on the overpass.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Roads, bridges and overpasses are likely to become slick, with impacts on the Monday morning commute. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024

Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, may become slick and hazardous. —Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024

With snow and strong winds, slick roads are likely, especially on bridges and overpasses, according to the National Weather Service. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

The freezing fog can also cause slick conditions on roads, especially on bridges and overpasses. —Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

overpass

1 of 2 verb

over·​pass ˌō-vər-ˈpas 

1

: to pass across, over, or beyond

2

: surpass

3

: disregard entry 1, ignore

overpass

2 of 2 noun

over·​pass ˈō-vər-ˌpas 

1

: a crossing (as of two highways or of a highway and railroad) at different levels usually by means of a bridge

2

: the upper level of an overpass