steamroll: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, often used in political, business, and sports contexts.
Quick answer
What does “steamroll” mean?
to crush or flatten something with a heavy roller.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to crush or flatten something with a heavy roller; to force something through powerfully and without opposition.
To overwhelm someone or something through sheer force, pressure, or superior power, often in a way that disregards resistance or subtlety.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. British English may slightly prefer the two-word form 'steam roll' as a verb, but 'steamroll' is common. The metaphorical use is dominant in both.
Connotations
Similar in both, implying forceful, unstoppable progress.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American political and sports journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “steamroll” in a Sentence
[Subject] steamrolls [Object][Subject] steamrolls [Object] through/over/past [Obstacle][Subject] steamrolls [Object] into [Result]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steamroll” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council voted to steamroll the controversial development plans.
- He has a tendency to steamroll his colleagues in meetings.
American English
- The senator is trying to steamroll the bill through Congress before the recess.
- Our team got steamrolled in the championship game.
adverb
British English
- The policy was implemented steamroll, without proper consultation.
- They advanced steamroll through the preliminary rounds.
American English
- He talked steamroll, not letting anyone else get a word in.
- The company expanded steamroll into the new market.
adjective
British English
- His steamroll tactics alienated potential allies.
- They adopted a steamroll approach to the negotiations.
American English
- Her steamroll personality made collaboration difficult.
- The campaign was a steamroll success.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new CEO is likely to steamroll the proposed restructuring plan through the board.
Academic
The dominant paradigm in the field can steamroll alternative theories.
Everyday
Don't let him steamroll you into agreeing—stand your ground.
Technical
The heavy machinery was used to steamroll the new asphalt surface.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “steamroll”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “steamroll”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steamroll”
- Using it for gentle persuasion (Incorrect: *She steamrolled him into a quiet chat).
- Confusing it with 'steam' related to vapour or cooking.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a verb, it is most commonly written as one word ('steamroll'), though 'steam-roll' is a less common variant. The noun for the machine is 'steamroller'.
Rarely. It typically has a negative connotation of being bullying or dismissive. A positive spin might be in sports ('steamroll to victory') where sheer dominance is praised, but it still implies a lack of contest.
They are very close synonyms. 'Bulldoze' can more strongly imply the use of intimidation or threat, while 'steamroll' emphasises the unstoppable, flattening force and the result of being crushed.
No, the metaphorical use is far more common in modern language. The literal meaning is understood but specific to contexts involving road construction or heavy machinery.
to crush or flatten something with a heavy roller.
Steamroll is usually informal, often used in political, business, and sports contexts. in register.
Steamroll: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstiːm.rəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstiːm.roʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “steamroll over someone's objections”
- “a steamroller approach”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STEAMroller (a heavy road-making vehicle) ROLLing over everything in its path without stopping.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR / PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION. Opposing ideas or people are physical obstacles to be crushed by a powerful, relentless force.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best illustrates the meaning of 'steamroll'?