vanquish

verb

ˈvaŋ-kwish How to pronounce vanquish (audio)
Definition of vanquishnext
as in to subdue
to bring under one's control by force of arms vanquished nation after nation in his relentless conquest of Europe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb vanquish differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of vanquish are conquer, defeat, overcome, overthrow, reduce, and subdue. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

When could conquer be used to replace vanquish?

The words conquer and vanquish are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related?

Defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

Where would overcome be a reasonable alternative to vanquish?

The meanings of overcome and vanquish largely overlap; however, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When is overthrow a more appropriate choice than vanquish?

In some situations, the words overthrow and vanquish are roughly equivalent. However, overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of vanquish?

The words reduce and vanquish can be used in similar contexts, but reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When might subdue be a better fit than vanquish?

Although the words subdue and vanquish have much in common, subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vanquish Oil market participants generally believe the U.S. Navy would swiftly vanquish any attempt by Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz. —Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 22 June 2025 Burrell was also a mainstay on Beat Bobby Flay, the competition series that saw two celebrity chefs sponsor contestants who attempt to vanquish her former Worst Cooks costar in culinary battle. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 June 2025 For him, vanquishing that demon for himself and the franchise is personal. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025 Hilariously, though, just as the two whip the entire tavern up into an enthusiastic frenzy, someone bursts through the door to declare the war is over and the enemy has been vanquished. —Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vanquish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vanquish
  1. subdue
  2. conquer
  3. dominate
  4. subject
  5. defeat
  6. overcome
Verb
  • But Vásquez Lasso’s partner that day, Officer Miguel Enciso, instead used his Taser to subdue Steven Montano, 21, who is charged with first-degree murder and other felonies in the March 1, 2023, slaying.
    — Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025
  • The overall inflation rate in the Bay Area has remained subdued in recent months.
    — George Avalos, Mercury News, 15 July 2025
Definition of subdue
Verb
  • The Fantastic Four: First Steps is conquering around $23 million in previews tonight that began at 2 p.m..
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 July 2025
  • Advocates can postulate that, absent the resolve of the United States to fight in Vietnam, even in a losing cause, the Soviet Union and China would have been emboldened to invade and conquer America, Western Europe and Japan, writing an epitaph for freedom.
    — Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2025
Definition of conquer
Verb
  • This weekend, a beautiful crescent moon will dominate the post-sunset evening sky.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • As recently as this week, Chinese aircraft carriers pushed farther into waters that had long been dominated by the U.S. military, in a series of drills reported by the Japanese military's joint staff.
    — Tom Bowman, NPR, 24 July 2025
Definition of dominate
Verb
  • The panel had previously considered a version that would have subjected all housing developments to this appeals board.
    — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
  • Two things can be true: Doctors are responsible for keeping mom and baby safe during a C-section and also for not subjecting any patient to avoidable torment.
    — Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 July 2025
Definition of subject
Verb
  • The Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the 2024 World Series four games to one.
    — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The billionaires will spend endlessly to defeat him.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 July 2025
Definition of defeat
Verb
  • Becky Lynch overcame Lyra Valkyria and Bayley to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in what was possibly the match of the night.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
  • Judicial confirmations were once a slower, more contentious process, often requiring 60 votes to overcome a filibuster.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2025
Definition of overcome

Browse Nearby Words

vanity
vanquish
vanquished
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Cite this Entry

“Vanquish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vanquish. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of vanquish for Spanish Speakers

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