overrun 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈrən How to pronounce overrun (audio)
Definition of overrunnext
1
as in to invade
to enter for conquest or plunder waves of barbarians overran the Roman Empire during its long decline

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to exceed
to go beyond the limit of he must not overrun his authority as governor

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to plague
to spread or swarm over in a troublesome manner ants are overrunning the garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

overrun

2 of 2

adjective

as in overgrown

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Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of overrun
Verb
This camp, however, Martin isn’t overrunning as many plays and is getting shots at weak- and strong-side linebacker. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 During takeoff, the plane overran the runway and burst into flames. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
In towns such as Maienfeld, the influx of mass tourism gives the impression that even remote valleys have become overrun. — Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Amorim’s side were completely overrun, and lucky to only lose 2-0. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overrun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrun
  1. invade
  2. exceed
  3. plague
  4. overgrown
  5. raid
  6. surpass
  7. infest
  8. verdant
Verb
  • Yaroslav Perepadya has built a life in Davis since fleeing Ukraine with his teenage son after Russia invaded their country in 2022.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Australia clung to its final six point margin for the last 27 minutes of the match when tiredness induced by altitude in the mountainous venue saw some sloppiness and imprecision invade its game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of invade
Verb
  • The 70% preliminary expectation wildly exceeded projections for fiscal 2028 revenue of roughly $570 billion, or 44% growth from fiscal 2027 (the current year).
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • So far, the decline in enrollment at traditional public school number is even greater than last year and exceeds early projections.
    — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of exceed
Verb
  • The research team identified opportunities to improve the atomic layer etching (ALE) approach, which offers significant advantages over the conventional methods but was plagued by difficulties for practical use.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Troubles from the start The groundbreaking attraction, which Six Flags has sunk millions of dollars into, was plagued with problems from the outset.
    — Blake Ellis, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • Checking weatherstripping around doors and windows, inspecting outdoor faucets, trimming overgrown trees and servicing HVAC systems can help prevent unexpected issues down the line.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Without regular weeding, native plants can become overgrown and choked by the same non-native weeds that grow everywhere else.
    — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of overgrown
Verb
  • Thieves on Thursday raided the Treasure of Villena -- one of the greatest Bronze Age gold collections -- at a museum in the Spanish city of Villena, taking most of the 50-plus mainly gold bracelets, bowls, bottles and other items on display.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Mundubile, who rejected the election result as neither free nor fair, had been in hiding since security forces raided his Lusaka home during the election period.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of raid
Verb
  • That’s the fastest pace among the 70 large and midsized economies Goldman analyzed, surpassing even Japan during its most intense period of aging from 2000 to 2015.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Corporate travel buyers have noted that relationship-building activities are becoming the most valuable part of these retreats, surpassing traditional entertainment or giveaways.
    — Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of surpass
Verb
  • If the wood that’s exposed after the bark sheds is rotting or infested with pests, the tree may not be in good health.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The inspection followed a hunger strike by detainees, who in a letter, complained about rotten or worm-infested food, medical neglect, and being coerced into signing deportation orders.
    — Vanessa Romo, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of infest
Adjective
  • Circled by a verdant reproduction of an enchanted forest, and dressed in a black swan-like two-piece by Ann Demeulemeester, Zardoya held the audience captive with her purring soprano and vampy stare.
    — Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Showstopper marble bathrooms have walk-in showers spanning almost the entire length of the room, freestanding bathtubs, and outdoor showers in verdant courtyards.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of verdant

Browse Nearby Words

overruling
overrun
overrunning
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Cite this Entry

“Overrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrun. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overrun

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overrun

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