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

Icy conditions on roads, bridges and overpasses will likely disrupt the morning commute, and local authorities are advising people to delay travel whenever possible to ensure safety. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Be extremely cautions, especially on bridges and overpasses. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025

Common trouble spots like bridges, overpasses, curves and hills are typically treated ahead of storms, Killion said. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025

An investigation shows a Chevrolet 1500 wrecked on the exit ramp overpass and became disabled, blocking part of the right lane, police said in a news release. —Kirsten Fiscus, The Tennessean, 31 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