steamroller

American  

[steem-roh-ler] / ˈstimˌroʊ lər /

noun

1. a heavy steam-powered vehicle having a roller for crushing, compacting, or leveling materials used for a road or the like.

2. (not in technical use) any similar vehicle with a roller.

3. an overpowering force, especially one that crushes all opposition with ruthless disregard for individual rights.

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verb (used with object)

1. to crush or flatten with a steamroller.

2. to overcome with superior force.

   to steamroller the competition.

3. to bring about the adoption of by overwhelming pressure.

   to steamroller the resolution through.

verb (used without object)

1. to proceed with implacable force.

adjective

1. suggestive of a steamroller; ruthlessly overpowering.

   steamroller tactics.

steamroller British  

/ ˈstiːmˌrəʊlə /

noun

1. 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

2. 1. an overpowering force or a person with such force that overcomes all opposition

   2. ( as modifier )

      steamroller tactics

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of steamroller

First recorded in 1865–70; steam + roller ¹

Example Sentences

And the Balkan Five have gone from niche college hoops phenomenon to March Madness steamroller.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

"It's been the steamroller all season. That's the one thing you could take to the bank," said Davis.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Ashton said: "The squad Sharks have could steamroller most teams. If they decide to take it on, they could get to the final with ease."

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2024

Awards season steamroller “ Oppenheimer ” is among the nominees for the PGA’s top award to be handed out later Sunday night.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2024

The small personal satisfaction he felt came from his having passed one of the most grueling tests of his career by showing the courage “to ‘stand up in meeting’ and say ‘No’ to a steamroller.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik