OVERRUN Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

overrun 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈrən

Definition of overrun

as in to invade

to enter for conquest or plunder waves of barbarians overran the Roman Empire during its long decline

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to exceed

to go beyond the limit of he must not overrun his authority as governor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Related Words

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

Protesters went on to torch police stations across the country, overrun national security headquarters in multiple governorates, storm torture chambers, and unearth archives of horror and abuse. — Abdelrahman Elgendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 Bots are overrunning the web, with some executives forecasting a world in which autonomous traffic outnumbers human internet searchers 1,000-to-1. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 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

Verb

The day after Israel's modern independence, the armies of Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Lebanon, and Iraq, with a Saudi contingent in tow, invaded.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Putin’s statements, in an interview with Kremlin journalist Pavel Zarubin broadcast late Thursday, doubled down on his claims to territory in Ukraine that Russia invaded and illegally annexed in 2022.

— Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of invade

Verb

The blowout news from SpaceX’s Q3 earnings wasn’t the rocket and AI giant’s outstanding performance that far exceeded even the analysts’ elevated expectations, but Elon Musk’s revelation that SpaceX and Tesla are weighing a merger.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
The fires that burned above the Rio Ruidoso watershed far exceeded that threshold.

— Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of exceed

Verb

Deloitte-run systems have been plagued by errors that can result in eligible people losing their health coverage, previous KFF Health News investigations have shown.

— Samantha Liss, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
The president used an antisemitic slur to defend Marshall’s history of suing patients for medical debt, a controversy that has plagued the incumbent senator in recent weeks.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of plague

Adjective

In fall, leaves from a neighboring tree can blanket your yard, and overgrown branches or falling limbs can lead to disputes between property owners.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Nestled just to the southwest of downtown Dallas, Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is a 121-acre sanctuary with thick, overgrown vegetation and dirt paths to remind you that there is still plenty of natural beauty in this overgrown concrete jungle.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of overgrown

Verb

Thrifting, attending clothing swaps and raiding friends' and family members' closets are all ways to avoid buying new costumes.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Thieves raided a jewelry store in a crash-and-grab burglary in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood early Tuesday morning.

— Desiree Evans, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of raid

Verb

Jay Ajayi ties an NFL record by surpassing 200 yards rushing for the second game in a row, helping the Miami Dolphins rally past the Buffalo Bills 28-25.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Although prices reached record highs for 2026, the statewide average for regular gasoline has not yet surpassed that all-time record.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of surpass

Verb

The physical conditions are so bad that cells are infested with mold and vermin, the letter said.

— Jessica Ryan, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Students have drawn attention to rundown classrooms that lack basics such as desks and chairs, become sweltering in summer without air conditioning and, in some cases, are infested with rats.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of infest

Adjective

My premium room, #203, was located on the corner overlooking the verdant garden.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Highlights include the verdant jungle at Cap Cana, the lush volcanic slopes above Saint-Pierre in Martinique, and the coral gardens off Kralendijk in Bonaire.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of verdant

Browse Nearby Words

overruling

overrun

overrunning

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Style

“Overrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrun. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overrun

verb

adjective

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