overtake

verb

over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk How to pronounce overtake (audio)
overtook ˌō-vər-ˈtu̇k How to pronounce overtake (audio) ; overtaken ˌō-vər-ˈtā-kən How to pronounce overtake (audio) ; overtaking
Synonyms of overtakenext

transitive verb

1
a
: to catch up with
b
: to catch up with and pass by
2
: to come upon suddenly

Synonyms of overtake

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Examples of overtake in a Sentence

She overtook the other runners and went on to win the race. The sign says “No Overtaking.” Seasickness can overtake passengers when the ship encounters a storm.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Mining the moribund annals of art history, the duo create tenderly wrought paintings and drawings that often revisit the aesthetics of the Hapsburg and Ottoman Empires, which overtook large swaths of the artists’ native Croatia for centuries. — Alex Jovanovich, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Messi now has an MLS-leading 18 goals on the season and overtook Petar Musa of FC Dallas in the Golden Boot race. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 The clearest sign of the change came in 2024, when a study recorded Americans choosing cannabis over alcohol for daily consumption, marking the first time in history that cannabis has overtaken alcohol as the preferred daily substance. — Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 New Mexico State's pass-heavy attack will be directed by QB Trey Hedden, a transfer from Furman who overtook last year’s backup Adam Damante for the starting gig. — Eddie Timanus, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overtake

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from over entry 1 + taken to take

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtake was in the 13th century

Rhymes for overtake

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Browse Nearby Words

overt
overtake
overtaken by events
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Cite this Entry

“Overtake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtake. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overtake

verb
over·​take ˌō-vər-ˈtāk How to pronounce overtake (audio)
overtook -ˈtu̇k How to pronounce overtake (audio) ; overtaken -ˈtā-kən How to pronounce overtake (audio) ; overtaking
1
a
: to catch up with
b
: to catch up with and pass by
2
: to come upon suddenly
a blizzard overtook the hunting party
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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