to grow beyond the normal or desired size or extent, to cover or become covered with an excessive amount of growth

Formal and Informal Expressions of overgrow

In different contexts, you can replace 'overgrow' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'outgrow, overspread' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'take over, swamp' is a commonplace synonym.

overgrow: Explore its Definition & Usage

overgrow Definition

1to grow beyond the normal or desired size or extent
2to cover or become covered with an excessive amount of growth

Using overgrow: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "overgrow" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The weeds overgrew the garden.
Example
The vines overgrew the trellis.
Example
The city was overgrown with vegetation.
Example
The tree had overgrown its container.

overgrow Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for overgrow

outgrow
overspread
overrun
choke
smother

Antonyms for overgrow

prune
trim
cut back

Phrases with overgrow

overgrown with
covered with an excessive amount of growth
Example
The abandoned house was overgrown with vines and weeds.
overgrow one's welcome
to stay too long in a place or situation, becoming unwelcome
Example
I think it's time for us to leave before we overstay our welcome.
overgrown child
an adult who behaves in an immature or childish manner
Example
He needs to start taking responsibility for his actions and stop acting like an overgrown child.

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Summary: overgrow in Brief

'Overgrow' [oh-ver-groh] means to grow beyond the normal or desired size or extent, or to cover or become covered with an excessive amount of growth. It is often used to describe plants or vegetation that have grown too much, as in 'The weeds overgrew the garden.' 'Overgrow' can also be used figuratively, as in 'overgrow one's welcome,' meaning to stay too long in a place or situation, becoming unwelcome.