overcome
verb
over·come
ˌō-vər-ˈkəm 
overcame
ˌō-vər-ˈkām
; overcome; overcoming
; overcome; overcoming
1
: to get the better of : surmount
overcome difficulties
They overcame the enemy.
2
: overwhelm
were overcome by the heat and smoke
: to gain the superiority : win
strong in the faith that truth would overcome
Synonyms
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
To overcome this, build self-awareness and emotional intelligence internally first.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
However, the article notes this training will likely be easier for happy chasers because dogs who are angry or fearful bee-chasers have stronger emotions to overcome.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The reasons for estrangement can vary, from a single breach that feels too large to overcome to years of slights and misunderstandings piling up.
—Fortesa Latifi, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
The textbook definition of strength training is built around overcoming resistance by applying muscular force in a repetitive pattern.
—Matt Parrott, arkansasonline.com, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overcome 
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.
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
However, the article notes this training will likely be easier for happy chasers because dogs who are angry or fearful bee-chasers have stronger emotions to overcome.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The reasons for estrangement can vary, from a single breach that feels too large to overcome to years of slights and misunderstandings piling up.
—Fortesa Latifi, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
The textbook definition of strength training is built around overcoming resistance by applying muscular force in a repetitive pattern.
—Matt Parrott, arkansasonline.com, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for overcome
Dictionary Entries Near overcome
Cite this Entry
“Overcome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overcome. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overcome
verb
over·come
ˌō-vər-ˈkəm
overcame
-ˈkām
; overcome; overcoming
; overcome; overcoming
1
: to gain an advantage or victory over
overcome an enemy
2
: to make helpless or exhausted
was overcome by gas
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share