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.
That cost millions of layoffs, but helped propel China to overtake Japan as the second-largest economy behind the United States in 2010. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 In a fair sporting world, clubs with inefficient recruitment operations would be overtaken by smarter efforts, like those showcased at Brighton. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026 AgiBot has overtaken Unitree as the market leader, together controlling 75% of shipments. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Natural gas has overtaken coal as a cleaner, easier-to-burn fuel. — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overtake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtake. Accessed 15 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on overtake

Nglish: Translation of overtake for Spanish Speakers

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