overtook

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.

Antonelli fought off that challenge, but Russell overtook him on lap seven at the first corner.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

The meta-reality and meta-commentary of the broadcast encroached on and eventually overtook the game on the field.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

Cameron Young, who was eight back of McIlroy to start the day, overtook the grand slam winner late in the day.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

But in January, South Korea overtook China as the largest contingent, a trend that continued in February, with visitors from the country jumping 28.2 percent to 1.1 million.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

I didn’t say anything and silence overtook us.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez