OVERCOME Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'overcome' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overcome are conquer , defeat , overthrow , reduce , subdue , and vanquish . While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle. // overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

Q: When could 'conquer' be used to replace 'overcome'?

While the synonyms conquer and overcome are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of. // Caesar conquered Gaul

Q: How are the words 'defeat' and 'vanquish' related as synonyms of 'overcome'?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals. // the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

Q: When might 'overthrow' be a better fit than 'overcome'?

Although the words overthrow and overcome have much in common, 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 'overcome'?

While in some cases nearly identical to overcome , reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender. // the city was reduced after a month-long siege

Q: When can 'subdue' be used instead of 'overcome'?

The synonyms subdue and overcome are sometimes interchangeable, but subdue implies a defeating and suppression. // subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

Q: When would 'vanquish' be a good substitute for 'overcome'?

The words vanquish and overcome can be used in similar contexts, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering. // vanquished the enemy and ended the war

overcome 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈkəm

Definition of overcome next

as in to defeat

to achieve a victory over the baseball team finally overcame their opponents in the 13th inning

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to overwhelm

to subject to incapacitating emotional or mental stress already under stress, she was overcome by news of a death in the family

Synonyms & Similar Words

overcome

2 of 2

adjective

as in uncovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb overcome differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overcome are conquer, defeat, overthrow, reduce, subdue, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When could conquer be used to replace overcome?

While the synonyms conquer and overcome are close in meaning, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related as synonyms of overcome?

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

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When might overthrow be a better fit than overcome?

Although the words overthrow and overcome have much in common, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of overcome?

While in some cases nearly identical to overcome, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When can subdue be used instead of overcome?

The synonyms subdue and overcome are sometimes interchangeable, but subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When would vanquish be a good substitute for overcome?

The words vanquish and overcome can be used in similar contexts, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of overcome

Verb

These heroes cross paths in Occupied Paris in 1943 and must strike an uneasy alliance to overcome a common threat. —

Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Dec. 2024 However, the legislation died in the Senate each time, lacking the 60 votes needed to overcome a Senate filibuster. —

David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024 During the vigil, many participants overcome with emotion had to step away. —

Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 17 Dec. 2024 Most critically, those who build Syria’s next political system will need to overcome the most important legacy of the half century of Assad rule: the ethnic and sectarian conflict and strife nurtured by the Assads. —

Sefa Secen / Made By History, TIME, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overcome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overcome

Verb

Maryland enjoyed its most effective offensive outing since defeating Fairleigh Dickinson, 111-85, on Nov. 18, 2005.

Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 18 Dec. 2024
Falcons end four-game skid to remain in playoff hunt The Atlanta Falcons held on late to defeat the Las Vegas Raiders 15-9 on Monday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Wayne Sterling, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024