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
With no idea what's going on, Dylan flees the FBC to find that the Hiss — otherworldly crimson monsters from another dimension — have overrun Manhattan. — George Yang, Space.com, 22 June 2026 In the 10th minute, Neil El Aynaoui pilfered the ball from Ryan Christie, then nearly capitalized on the ensuing counterattack, finding free space in front of an open net but overrunning Azzedine Ounahi’s cross. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
Adjective
Amorim’s side were completely overrun, and lucky to only lose 2-0. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 Our kitchens are joyfully overrun with colorful heirloom tomatoes, juicy peaches, and of course, sweet corn. — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 13 June 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
  • Moisture invades your porch cushions and flooring, leading to the growth of mold, mildew, and algae.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
  • Various types of cancer, in which malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues, contributed to between 13,000 and 20,000 deaths annually in this time frame.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of invade
Verb
  • And by the 12th year, this number rises to $113,000, exceeding the median salary for graduate degree-holders in the state, according to the data released by the UC’s Institutional Research and Academic Planning department.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Revenue from golf and resort properties exceeded $500 million in 2025, rising about 15% from the previous year, according to the filing.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of exceed
Verb
  • Andrew Harnik | Getty Images A rocky start The anniversary rollout has also been plagued by problems on the ground.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • In the 30 years following the tune’s release, disappointment has only continued to plague the Three Lions.
    — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • The cemetery’s new board of directors has aspirations to turn the graveyard — the final resting place of the famous and not so famous — from decaying and overgrown to a future urban green space that would attract visitors.
    — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
  • Historically, modest fires every seven to 20 years kept forests from being overgrown and choked with highly flammable dead wood and brush, Williams said.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Definition of overgrown
Verb
  • Alaska also demonstrates that the fear that dividends automatically create dependency or invite politicians to raid the principal is overblown.
    — James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Added to this, Whitehall has historically faced criticism for treating the armed forces as a budget piggy bank to be raided whenever public funds run short.
    — David Szondy July 01, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
Definition of raid
Verb
  • Organizers of celebrations months in the making had to adjust or cancel activities entirely as much of the East Coast sweltered under heat that approached and in many cases surpassed triple digits.
    — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • With the more than 2,000-acre jump in size, the Aspen Acres fire has surpassed the 2012 High Park fire and sits behind the 2018 Spring Creek fire, which consumed 108,045 acres, according to the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
    — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 5 July 2026
Definition of surpass
Verb
  • Hives can become infested with Varroa mites, which infect the bees with flight-robbing viruses.
    — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 29 June 2026
  • The paths through the bush are infested with these ticks, as are many back yards.
    — Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of infest
Adjective
  • That verdant vista of a piece of ancient, intricate architecture centered me in storied Osaka and proved a delightfully consistent through line for my stay.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Suites are designed with floor-to-ceiling French doors that open onto to the verdant garden and complement the interiors—an homage to the artistic heritage of the region, inspired by masters from Matisse to Picasso.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overrun

Nglish: Translation of overrun for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about overrun

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