CONQUER Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of conquer are defeat , overcome , overthrow , reduce , subdue , and vanquish . While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," conquer implies gaining mastery of. // Caesar conquered Gaul

Q: How do 'defeat' and 'vanquish' relate to one another, in the sense of 'conquer'?

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

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

The words overcome and conquer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle. // overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

Q: When can 'overthrow' be used instead of 'conquer'?

The meanings of overthrow and conquer largely overlap; however, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power. // violently overthrew the old regime

Q: When is 'reduce' a more appropriate choice than 'conquer'?

Although the words reduce and conquer have much in common, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender. // the city was reduced after a month-long siege

Q: Where would 'subdue' be a reasonable alternative to 'conquer'?

While the synonyms subdue and conquer are close in meaning, subdue implies a defeating and suppression. // subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

Q: When is it sensible to use 'vanquish' instead of 'conquer'?

The synonyms vanquish and conquer are sometimes interchangeable, but vanquish implies a complete overpowering. // vanquished the enemy and ended the war

conquer

verb

ˈkäŋ-kər

Definition of conquer next

as in to dominate

to bring under one's control by force of arms before his final defeat, Napoléon had managed to conquer much of Europe

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to overcome

to achieve a victory over love conquers all, or so romance novels would have us believe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to win

to achieve victory (as in a contest) a coach who demands that his team conquer, whatever the cost

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb conquer differ from other similar words?

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

Caesar conquered Gaul

How do defeat and vanquish relate to one another, in the sense of conquer?

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

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

When would overcome be a good substitute for conquer?

The words overcome and conquer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When can overthrow be used instead of conquer?

The meanings of overthrow and conquer largely overlap; however, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is reduce a more appropriate choice than conquer?

Although the words reduce and conquer have much in common, 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 conquer?

While the synonyms subdue and conquer are close in meaning, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When is it sensible to use vanquish instead of conquer?

The synonyms vanquish and conquer 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 conquer The museum displays the rudimentary equipment and clothing that alpinists once used and showcases their great achievements in conquering mountains here and abroad. —

Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025 But eight years later, most of the old guard has been thoroughly conquered or converted. —

Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 On his crutches, a determined, bloodied Anthony conquers the hill and wins his team’s respect. —

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for conquer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conquer

Verb

He doesn’t seem driven by demons or a need to dominate anyone.

— Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 25 Jan. 2025
The two stars have figured out how to complement each other, using their respective strengths to dominate opponents.

— Brian Sampson, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025