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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

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

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

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

But then the United States threatened to dismiss the shah as well, and he was like: "How soon do we get this overthrow party started?"

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi