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.

The 86-year-old was a key figure in the movement that led to the overthrow of the shah in 1979 and succeeded revolutionary leader Ruhollah Khomeini as supreme leader in 1989.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Its goal, it said, “is to overthrow the Islamic Republic.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

In November 1978, Tejero had been linked to another failed bid to overthrow the government, known as Operation Galaxy, for which he was sentenced to seven months behind bars.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

After his overthrow, Ghanaians lived through several coups up until the return of multiparty democracy in 1992.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 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

overthrow

Example Sentences

Related Words