View synonyms for

steamroller

[steem-roh-ler]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a heavy steam-powered vehicle having a roller for crushing, compacting, or leveling materials used for a road or the like.
(not in technical use) any similar vehicle with a roller.
an overpowering force, especially one that crushes all opposition with ruthless disregard for individual rights.

verb (used with object)

to crush or flatten with a steamroller.
to overcome with superior force.
to steamroller the competition.
to bring about the adoption of by overwhelming pressure.
to steamroller the resolution through.

verb (used without object)

to proceed with implacable force.

adjective

suggestive of a steamroller; ruthlessly overpowering.
steamroller tactics.

steamroller

/ ˈ��پ�ː��ˌ��əʊ��ə /

noun

1. a steam-powered vehicle with heavy rollers at the front and rear used for compressing road surfaces during road-making
2. another word for roadroller
1. an overpowering force or a person with such force that overcomes all opposition
2. ( as modifier )
  steamroller tactics

verb

(tr) to crush (opposition, etc) by overpowering force

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Word History and Origins

Origin of steamroller¹

First recorded in 1865–70; steam + roller ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But the match flipped from the start of the second set as the home favourite steamrollered past Paul to win nine successive games, and the American could not recover.

From

But President Trump, Taylor Swift and the rest left New Orleans wondering what had happened to two-time champion Kansas City Chiefs as they were steamrollered by the Philadelphia Eagles.

From

It’s already abundantly clear that Trump can intimidate, corrupt, steamroller or ignore aides, legislators, donors and journalists who tell him the truth.

From

My impression is that Trump’s use of “shock and awe” is effective at making people feel the situation is hopeless and making them feel totally powerless against the steamroller of right-wing politics.

From

"It was like a steamroller that crushed everything," Nasrine, a teacher who did not give her last name, told AFP in her destroyed neighbourhood in Pamandzi.

From

steamroll steam room

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