Synonyms for

Overtake

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

Definition

To catch up with and pass by someone or something.

Synonyms & similar words

overwhelm catch overpower pass sweepover overhaul overcome whelm catchupwith pass surpass outstrip outdo exceed eclipse beat overtop outshine surmount transcend outpace outrun outdistance outmaneuver outflank

Synonyms by register

Formal

surpass outstrip outpace eclipse

Informal

catch up with get ahead of pass zoom past

Literary

outrun overtake gain upon

Antonyms

lag behind fall behind trail yield cede surrender

Common collocations

  • overtake a car
  • overtake a competitor
  • overtake a record
  • overtake a lead
  • overtake a market share
  • overtake a runner

Word family

noun overtaking
verb overtake

Usage note

Primarily used for vehicles moving faster than another, but can also refer to surpassing someone or something in a competition or progress. Avoid using 'overtake' to mean 'catch up with' if the intention is to close a gap without necessarily passing.

Example sentences

  1. I was able to overtake the other runners and win the race.
  2. The car was going so fast that it was hard to overtake it.
  3. I need to overtake my friend in math class.
  4. I hope to overtake my older sister in height someday.
  5. The company worked hard to overtake its competitors in sales.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about. - Winston Churchill
  • The only way to do great work is to love what you do. - Steve Jobs

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