1 overcame | Definition of overcame
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overcome

verb
over·​come | \ ˌō-vər-ˈkəm How to pronounce overcome (audio) \
overcame\ ˌō-​vər-​ˈkām How to pronounce overcame (audio) \; overcome; overcoming

Definition of overcome

transitive verb

1 : to get the better of : surmount overcome difficulties They overcame the enemy.
2 : overwhelm were overcome by the heat and smoke

intransitive verb

: to gain the superiority : win strong in the faith that truth would overcome
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about overcome

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Choose the Right Synonym for overcome

conquer, vanquish, defeat, subdue, reduce, overcome, overthrow mean to get the better of by force or strategy. conquer implies gaining mastery of. Caesar conquered Gaul vanquish implies a complete overpowering. vanquished the enemy and ended the war defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals. the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas subdue implies a defeating and suppression. subdued the native tribes after years of fighting reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender. the city was reduced after a month-long siege overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle. overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power. violently overthrew the old regime

Examples of overcome in a Sentence

After a tough battle, they overcame the enemy. a story about overcoming adversity She overcame a leg injury and is back running again.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Russell told Epps, imploring her not to let grief overcome her. — Washington Post, "Five years after 3-year-old McKenzie Elliott was killed on her Baltimore porch, gunman gets 25-year sentence," 29 Aug. 2019 Russell told Epps, imploring her not to let grief overcome her. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Five years after 3-year-old McKenzie Elliott was killed on her Baltimore porch, gunman gets 25-year sentence," 28 Aug. 2019 The most difficult part of my journey as a Paralympian has been to overcome myself and my own nerves. — Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE.com, "5 Incredible Parathletes to Get to Know One Year Out from the 2020 Paralympic Games," 25 Aug. 2019 This book chronicles how one woman learned to face her troubles and overcome them. — Michael Arceneaux, Essence, "How Writer Bassey Ikpi Intricately Weaves The Art Of Storytelling In Her Memoir About Mental Illness," 13 Aug. 2019 Diagnosing disorientation is the first step in overcoming it. — N.c., The Economist, "Conspiracy theories are dangerous—here’s how to crush them," 12 Aug. 2019 Focus on poverty, through effective policies and programs shown to help families overcome it. — Deborah Yetter, The Courier-Journal, "As states struggle to improve child welfare, here are some solutions that stand out," 7 Aug. 2019 Now there was a lull, as if a sudden exhaustion had overcome the combatants, and, like a river reversing direction, people turned and proceeded slowly west, up the avenue. — Christopher Ketcham, Harper's magazine, "A Play with No End," 22 July 2019 Before handing out a prescription, most doctors will spend some time talking with patients about barriers to getting outdoors—lack of child care, affordable transportation, or access to parks—and how to overcome them. — Cassidy Randall, Glamour, "Spend More Time Outside—Doctor’s Orders," 11 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overcome.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of overcome

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for overcome

Middle English, from Old English ofercuman, from ofer over + cuman to come

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More Definitions for overcome

overcome

verb
How to pronounce overcome (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of overcome

: to defeat (someone or something)
: to successfully deal with or gain control of (something difficult)
: to affect (someone) very strongly or severely

See the full definition for overcome in the English Language Learners Dictionary

overcome

verb
over·​come | \ ˌō-vər-ˈkəm How to pronounce overcome (audio) \
overcame\ -​ˈkām \; overcome; overcoming

Kids Definition of overcome

1 : to win a victory over : conquer Soldiers overcame the enemy.
2 : to gain control of through great effort He overcame his fear of heights.
3 : to cause to lose physical ability or emotional control Firefighters were overcome by smoke. The family was overcome by grief.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overcome

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with overcome

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overcome

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