Overtake

/əʊ̯vəːˈteɪ̯k/ · verb

Meaning

To pass a slower moving object or entity (on the side closest to oncoming traffic)..

Definitions by Sense

1. To pass a slower moving object or entity (on the side closest to oncoming traffic).
2. (transitive) To become greater than something else in quantity, worth, etc.
3. To take by surprise; surprise and overcome; carry away.
4. An act of overtaking; an overtaking maneuver.

Example Sentences

The racehorse overtook the lead pack on the last turn.

The car was so slow we were overtaken by a bus.

"I won't over-walk myself," he said, cheerfully. "If the coach doesn't overtake me on the road, I can wait for it where I stop to breakfast. Dry your eyes, my dear; and give me a kiss."

The station is planned to include platform loops enabling fast trains to overtake slower ones and is expected to be served by at least four trains per hour towards London.

Grocery sales in the north have overtaken those in the south.

Our plans were overtaken by events.

VVhy didſt thou promiſe ſuch a beautious day, / And make me trauaile forth vvithout my cloake, / To let bace cloudes ore-take me in my vvay, / Hiding thy brau'ry in their rotten ſmoke.

There wasn't enough distance left before the bend for an overtake, so I had to trundle behind the tractor for another mile.

Synonyms for overtake

Antonyms for overtake

Related Words

Word Forms

• overtakes
• overtaking
• overtook
• overtaken

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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