steamroll
Americanverb (used with or without object)
Etymology
Origin of steamroll
First recorded in 1910–15; by back formation
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.
The best teams tend to stack their nonconference schedule with two types of games: Opportunities for signature victories against other top contenders, along with schools they’re certain to steamroll.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 2, 2026
"If we don't then I fear that that we will die a slow death, because it will just steamroll over us," Tiller told AFP.
From Barron's ● Feb. 21, 2026
It had been a promising start from the Lions, who galloped into a commanding lead and looked as if they were going to steamroll their opponents.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2025
Much like the 2018 Dodgers against the Boston Red Sox, the 1988 Dodgers were matched up against a team that was the supposed class of baseball, a team that was supposed to steamroll the Dodgers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2024
“This could steamroll into something as unmanageable as Pacheco’s pig. Any fool can see that.”
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.