defeat Synonyms
Another word for defeat
• noun (Context 1)
An instance of losing or being overcome in a competition, election, contest, or struggle.
"The visiting soccer team suffered a narrow loss in the championship final."
• verb (Context 2)
To win a victory over someone in a competition, election, game, or contest.
"The defending champion managed to beat her challenger in straight sets."
• verb (Context 3)
To prevent a plan, effort, or legislative proposal from succeeding or being adopted.
"Leaving the window open will thwart the purpose of turning on the air conditioning."
• noun (Context 4)
The failure to achieve a goal, plan, or legislative proposal, or the act of preventing something from succeeding.
"The sudden withdrawal of funding resulted in the failure of the urban renewal bill."
• verb (Context 5)
To be impossible for someone to understand, solve, or accomplish.
"The intricate logic of the final math puzzle completely defeated the students."
Opposites of defeat
The opposite of defeat shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: