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Synonyms

drown out

Idioms  

  1. Overwhelm with a louder sound, as in Their cries were drowned out by the passing train. [Early 1600s]

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.

Before she can even think about the ramifications, word gets out and everyone else’s opinions drown out Pepper’s own wishes.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The result is a deepening crisis of trust as hyper-realistic AI fabrications compete for attention with -- and often drown out -- authentic images and videos.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Whether to just drown out the noise, listen to music or an audiobook, they’re an integral part of my travel experience.

From Salon • Nov. 20, 2025

She says she has difficulty with eye contact and social situations and gets anxious around loud noises, wearing earbuds to drown out the noise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

I close my eyes and try to drown out the sound, which seems so inappropriate now.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.