defeat 1 of 2

defeat

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb defeat differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of defeat are conquer, overcome, overthrow, reduce, subdue, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When is conquer a more appropriate choice than defeat?

In some situations, the words conquer and defeat are roughly equivalent. However, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

When could overcome be used to replace defeat?

While in some cases nearly identical to defeat, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When might overthrow be a better fit than defeat?

While the synonyms overthrow and defeat are close in meaning, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When can reduce be used instead of defeat?

The meanings of reduce and defeat largely overlap; however, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

Where would subdue be a reasonable alternative to defeat?

The words subdue and defeat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When would vanquish be a good substitute for defeat?

The synonyms vanquish and defeat are sometimes interchangeable, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

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 defeat
Verb
Advertisement When that resistance exploded into open warfare in 1775, the royal army’s mission shifted from enforcing the law to defeating the rebellion. Time, 9 Oct. 2025 That was followed by wins over Idaho State, in-state rival New Mexico State and the Big Ten’s UCLA — the program’s first victory over a power-conference foe since defeating Arizona in 2008. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
Although this defeat signified the end of Sandinista rule, the Sandinistas themselves survived, albeit in name only. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 8 Oct. 2025 Media members hammered the coaching staff, particularly the offense, for a lack of creativity and for failing to utilize superstar running back Saquon Barkley to control possession and the clock down the stretch in what ultimately became Philadelphia's first defeat of the season. Max Dible, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for defeat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for defeat
Verb
  • The Rough Riders overcame a furious Arlington Heights rally in the third quarter and used a late goal-line stand to shock the Yellow Jackets in a 50-47 thriller.
    Updated October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Johnson’s familiarity is key to bringing audiences close to Kerr and helps the film overcome its potentially alienating storyline.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Kennedy sought the advice of doctors after dealing with severe memory loss and brain fog, reportedly leading to a scan of his brain that showed a dark spot in the imagery.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Following Sunday's loss, first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer defended Eberflus, saying the product on the field is a team effort.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • More than two years of war have left Gaza in ruins, triggering famine and the collapse of essential infrastructure.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • His debut novel, Satantango, published in 1985, followed the collapse of a rural community in Hungary, while more recent works, including the novels The Prisoner of Urga and Destruction and Sorrow Beneath the Heavens, were inspired by the author’s travels to Mongolia and China.
    Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • During a trip to Mallon Farm with Prince William, the Princess of Wales mastered fall style with a black turtleneck, a cardigan, and a utility jacket.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Altogether, the ensemble was similar to countryside ‘fits worn by her predecessors, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth, who had mastered the art of sporty but still feminine dressing for the UK’s chillier climates.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In a 31-14 beating of Dallas two weeks ago, Williams was not sacked for the first time in his career.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
  • You weren’t allowed to paint your culture, you weren’t allowed to dance, you weren’t allowed to cook your food, do your drum beating, any of that.
    Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • He has also been charged with following too closely, no registration and failure to exercise due care on Interstate 85 in Jackson County, about 62 miles northeast of Atlanta.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
  • She was charged with reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function and failure to stop at a scene of accident resulting in serious impairment or death, the prosecutor said.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sandy Baltimore beat opponent Maelle Garbino to almost every loose ball, presenting a constant threat on the left.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Furthermore, big banks — bellwethers for economic activity — such as JPMorgan Chase, Citi and Goldman Sachs, beat earnings expectations, suggesting that fundamentals are still sound.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In early September, the group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an al-Qaida affiliate, announced a ban on fuel imports from neighboring countries in what analysts say poses huge risks for the fragile local economy and is a significant setback for Mali’s military junta.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The latest setback came when Miami let a late lead slip away in a 29-27 Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Defeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/defeat. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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