Synonyms for

Overcome

Verb / ˈəʊvɜ:ˌkʌm / Another word for overcome — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to successfully deal with or gain control over something difficult

Synonyms & similar words

havethebest overwhelm getover subdue overpower sweepover surmount overtake getthebest master defeat getthebetterof whelm conquer defeat surmount master subdue prevail triumph beat win vanquish control dominate outdo outmaneuver outsmart outwit quash repress supersede

Synonyms by register

Formal

conquer vanquish subdue triumph over

Informal

beat get past get over lick

Literary

master prevail over subjugate

Antonyms

succumb yield surrender capitulate submit lose fail

Common collocations

  • overcome obstacles
  • overcome challenges
  • overcome difficulties
  • overcome adversity
  • overcome fear
  • overcome by emotion
  • overcome by surprise

Word family

noun overcoming
verb overcome
adjective unovercomeable

Usage note

Often used with abstract nouns like 'obstacles', 'challenges', or 'difficulties'. Can also be used reflexively, as in 'he overcame himself'.

Example sentences

  1. She was able to overcome her fear of spiders by holding one in her hand.
  2. He worked hard to overcome his shyness and make new friends.
  3. The team was able to overcome a 20-point deficit and win the game.
  4. She was determined to overcome the obstacles and reach her goal.
  5. With hard work and perseverance, he was able to overcome his disability and achieve success.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt
  • It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. - Confucius

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