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Definitions

overtake

[oh-ver-teyk] / ˌoʊ vərˈteɪk /
VERB
catch; pass
Synonyms
STRONGEST
beat befall catch up with engulf outdistance outdo outstrip overwhelm
STRONG
better happen hit overhaul reach strike
WEAK
come upon gain on get past get to leave behind take by surprise
Antonyms
STRONGEST
lose
STRONG
fail miss
WEAK
fall behind

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, biotech in China has taken off in recent years, and Chinese drug research threatens to soon overtake the West’s.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

ADEN, Yemen — The ambush spot was good: Single-lane street, just enough space to overtake.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

If Gauff reaches the final, she will overtake former world number one Iga Swiatek and move to third in the WTA rankings next week.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Lee noted that Arm anticipates data-center business will overtake mobile to become the company’s largest revenue driver in a few years.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 2026

Heraclitus says, “Not even the sun will transgress his orbit but the Erinyes, the ministers of justice, overtake him.”

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Vocabulary lists containing overtake

"The Tragedy of Hamlet," Vocabulary from Act 2

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