VANQUISH Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of vanquish are conquer , defeat , overcome , overthrow , reduce , and subdue . While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," vanquish implies a complete overpowering. // vanquished the enemy and ended the war

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

The words conquer and vanquish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conquer implies gaining mastery of. // Caesar conquered Gaul

Q: How are the words 'defeat' and 'vanquish' related?

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

Q: Where would 'overcome' be a reasonable alternative to 'vanquish'?

The meanings of overcome and vanquish largely overlap; however, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle. // overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

Q: When is 'overthrow' a more appropriate choice than 'vanquish'?

In some situations, the words overthrow and vanquish are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'vanquish'?

The words reduce and vanquish can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender. // the city was reduced after a month-long siege

Q: When might 'subdue' be a better fit than 'vanquish'?

Although the words subdue and vanquish have much in common, subdue implies a defeating and suppression. // subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

vanquish

verb

ˈvaŋ-kwish

Definition of vanquish next

as in to conquer

to bring under one's control by force of arms vanquished nation after nation in his relentless conquest of Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb vanquish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vanquish are conquer, defeat, overcome, overthrow, reduce, and subdue. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

When could conquer be used to replace vanquish?

The words conquer and vanquish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related?

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

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

Where would overcome be a reasonable alternative to vanquish?

The meanings of overcome and vanquish largely overlap; however, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When is overthrow a more appropriate choice than vanquish?

In some situations, the words overthrow and vanquish are roughly equivalent. However, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of vanquish?

The words reduce and vanquish can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When might subdue be a better fit than vanquish?

Although the words subdue and vanquish have much in common, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

Examples 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 vanquish In June, the World Health Organization warned that far too few new antibiotics are in the global development pipeline, and the ones that are there fall far short of the innovation required to vanquish the most dangerous microbes. —

Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 The posts alleged world affairs were controlled by a vast conspiracy of Democrats – who also worshiped Satan and abused children – and that Trump was part of a secret plan to vanquish them. —

Will Carless, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024 It has been accused by some critics of seeking to vanquish Indian Christians and Muslims in order to to establish a Hindu nation. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024 When Pennywise resurfaces, targeting children once again, Mike Hanlon (Isaiah Mustafa) calls the group back to honor their childhood pact to vanquish the creature for good. —

Travis Bean, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vanquish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanquish

Verb

That means that this one very human skill is what your career needs, in order to conquer the future of work.

Chris Westfall, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
King Godfrey of Bouillon, who conquered the region, carried it as his personal coat of arms.

Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Jan. 2025