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Definitions

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.

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

Those hopes reflected confidence that Iran’s sophisticated civil society would ultimately either overthrow the Islamic Republic or drive its evolution in a more moderate direction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

In the 1953 coup, America's CIA intelligence agency and Britain's MI6 conspired with Iranians to overthrow the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Drawn into underground communist politics as a teenager, he was 21 when arrested in 1973 for campaigning to overthrow the king.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Consider: The United States has been instrumental in the overthrow of truly genocidal dictatorships.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson