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Definition of steamroll

steamroll

/ˈstiːmˌroʊl/
steam · roll
Adjective:steamrolled
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Past Simple:steamrolled
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Past Participle:steamrolled
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Present Participle:steamrolling
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steamroll Lexical Profile

steamroll Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To overwhelm, defeat, or force into compliance through ruthless, unrelenting power or pressure.

Example

"The majority party attempted to steamroll the controversial bill through committee without holding a public debate."

2

To flatten, smooth, or compact a surface using a heavy roller or steamroller.

Example

"Road crews worked through the night to lay fresh asphalt and steamroll the highway before morning traffic began."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for steamroll
Antonyms
View all antonyms for steamroll

• Nearby Words

steamily
steaminess
steampunk
steamroll
steamroller
steamship
steamy

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as a back-formation from "steamroller," extending the literal image of a heavy road-paving machine to the figurative sense of crushing opposition.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Steamroll. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/steamroll
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