Overdog

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person or group that holds a superior position or prevails over others in a contest or struggle
2. One who dominates or defeats opponents, maintaining control or influence in a rivalry
3. An individual or entity that emerges as the leader or victor in competitive or confrontational situations

Etymology: "Overdog" is a straightforward compound: the prefix "over-" (meaning above, superior to, or in control of) joined to "dog" in its sense of a contestant or party in a struggle. It is built on the older word "underdog," the person or side expected to lose a contest, so "overdog" is simply its opposite, the one who prevails over others. The pairing works the same way in the sense of a dog being on top in a fight, which gives both halves a clear physical picture. The word is formed by analogy rather than inherited from an older source. Its meaning follows directly from "underdog," and the opposition between the two is the whole point of the coinage. A reader who knows "underdog" can grasp "overdog" at once, which helps explain why it is understood even though it is far less common.

Synonyms: favorite, top dog, champion, leader, dominant

Antonyms: underdog, loser, defeated, inferior, weakling