reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.
the city was reduced after a month-long siege
overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.
overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks
overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.
violently overthrew the old regime
Example Sentences
After a tough battle, they overcame the enemy. a story about overcoming adversity She overcame a leg injury and is back running again.
Recent Examples on the WebJoseph Azeredo said, trailing off as he was overcome by emotion. Alexander Thompson, BostonGlobe.com, 28 Aug. 2022 When Barton crumpled to the floor, overcome by emotion, her mother ran over, knelt, and hugged her.San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2022 Pugh and Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams play best friends Abbie and Lydia, students at an English all-girls school that has been overcome by an epidemic of fainting spell episodes. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 11 Aug. 2022 For one, the genre’s relentless optimism and infectious rhythms are hard not to be overcome by, regardless of age. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 8 Aug. 2022 John said he was overcome with emotion during their chat, mostly out of happiness that TJ felt able to tell him. Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE.com, 14 July 2022 Peterson knows he's easily overcome by gratitude and emotion. Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 13 July 2022 All of the inmates complied but McBeth and a second inmate who fought with deputies until the prisoners were eventually overcome by officers by use of force and multiple bursts of pepper-spray, court filings show. John Lynch, Arkansas Online, 9 July 2022 The night was an emotional one for Adele, and Page Six reports that she she was overcome before even finishing her first song. Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 3 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English ofercuman, from ofer over + cuman to come