overthrow

[oh-ver-throh, oh-ver-throh] / ˌoʊ vərˈθroʊ, ˈoʊ vərˌθroʊ /

VERB

defeat, destroy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abolish conquer crush depose dethrone eradicate oust overcome overrun overturn put an end to raze subdue subvert topple unseat vanquish

STRONG

beat demolish exterminate level liquidate overpower overwhelm purge ruin subjugate terminate tip tumble upend upset

WEAK

bring down bring to ruin do away with knock down knock over

Antonyms

STRONGEST

establish fail institute lose release retreat surrender uphold yield

STRONG

build construct create hold keep straighten

WEAK

give in

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said that since Gaddafi's overthrow, sectors such as education and healthcare as well as basic needs have been "completely neglected".

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

It does not overthrow Einstein’s relativity or quantum physics — it completes them.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Sunday's presidential election comes about four months after outgoing President Patrice Talon survived a coup attempt, when Nigeria - the regional superpower - sent warplanes to bombard mutinous soldiers who had attempted to overthrow him.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The 86-year-old had ruled since 1989 and was a key figure in the movement that led to the overthrow of the shah in the 1979 revolution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

Alexandra had failed in an attempt to overthrow her son-in-law.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby

Vocabulary lists containing overthrow

100 SAT words Beginning with "O"

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"Death, be not proud" by John Donne

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Catching Fire

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