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.

To be sure, one counterargument to the “good enough” narrative is that bin Laden envisioned al-Qaida as “the base” on which other groups could then build their Islamist groups and overthrow secular states.

From Slate • Apr. 21, 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

It’s a striking claim for a country that fought a revolution to overthrow a king and hasn’t had one since.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

While serving time he became a candidate to fill a seat in the very parliament he had tried to overthrow.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

African nationalism was our battle cry, and our creed was the creation of one nation out of many tribes, the overthrow of white supremacy, and the establishment of a truly democratic form of government.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!