1
as in to invade
to enter for conquest or plunder
waves of barbarians overran the Roman Empire during its long decline
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overrun
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 May 2025
The bee balm might overrun the beans and tomatoes, and the sunflowers might shade out the cosmos, marigolds, and basil.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
In 1940, Germany overran much of western Europe in a matter of weeks by means of a blitzkrieg, bringing together armor and airpower.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
The landing maneuver was unsuccessful: the Airbus overran the runway and crashed into a TAM cargo building located directly across from the airport.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overrun
Verb
This included when the Ku Klux Klan overran 11 counties in South Carolina during the Reconstruction era in acts of domestic terrorism.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 May 2025
The bee balm might overrun the beans and tomatoes, and the sunflowers might shade out the cosmos, marigolds, and basil.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
In 1940, Germany overran much of western Europe in a matter of weeks by means of a blitzkrieg, bringing together armor and airpower.
—Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
The landing maneuver was unsuccessful: the Airbus overran the runway and crashed into a TAM cargo building located directly across from the airport.
—Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overrun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrun
Verb
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The problem is not the bears, but the invasive species invading their spaces — i.e., humans.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
27 May 2025
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Imagine China deciding to invade Taiwan, calculating that sanctions will only be symbolic, short-lived, or broadly ineffective.—
Zoltan Istvan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Traditional taxis cost less than half that, but the journey can exceed 90 minutes in traffic.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
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Although the stock has since bounced back and exceeded its previous highs – achieving $130.18 in May 2025 – its past indicates susceptibility to macroeconomic challenges.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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In a region plagued by foreign interference and democratic decline, Traoré's message resonates with disillusioned youth.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
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To top it off, an air traffic control meltdown plagued Newark Liberty International Airport for weeks after staffing shortages and technology outages caused hours-long delays.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Now that street is strewn with garbage and overgrown trees.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
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In the years since, Carmen Court has sat unoccupied and become overgrown.—
Thomas Gounley,
Denver Post,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Wolves might be about to get raided for a second time.—
Phil Hay
June 2,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
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Though the police had raided Stonewall Inn and countless others before, the events of June 28, 1969, known as the Stonewall Riots, spearheaded a six-day uprising for LGBTQ+ rights.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
2 June 2025
Verb
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Yeah, but still... Yamamoto had his second-worst stinker as a Dodger, surpassed by only his fumble of the division series opener last season against the Padres.—
Bill Plaschke,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
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Malia Jones placed third in triple jump at 39-2 and Brooklyn Davis, who surpassed 40-feet in prelims, was ninth in the shot put at 39-1 ¼ .—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2025
Verb
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There was even a collaboration with Hello Kitty featuring Ito’s monstrous Tomie, a creature who resembles a pretty girl but can grow a copy of herself from her smallest part and infest her victims.—
Sam Thielman,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
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Plants infested with mealybugs usually become weakened and display wrinkled, shriveled leaves.—
Sheryl Geerts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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There’s a volcanic hot disc, an icy cold disc, an aquatic disc, and a verdant blush disc.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
27 May 2025
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Officially launched on May 22nd, this partnership offers an opportunity to explore the verdant landscapes of Puerto Rico through a sonic lens, with six unique concepts available for listeners.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overrun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrun. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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