overtake
verb (used with object)
to catch up with in traveling or pursuit; draw even with.
overtook
-
past tense formof overtake.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
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.
China overtook Japan as the world’s top auto exporter in 2023 by shipping inexpensive cars to Russia after Western producers pulled out.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
The Cybertruck-maker faces intense competition from Chinese carmakers like BYD, which overtook Tesla as the world's biggest EV maker in January.
From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026
In September, Langley's country smash Choosin' Texas overtook Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You to become the longest-running number one single in US chart history.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
For 10 years now — actually, since around the time streaming decisively overtook people’s listening habits — these Beatles releases have made a pretty compelling case for the collectible physical object.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026
He coughed and a spasm overtook his body.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
