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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.

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

Ghana's government has removed the name of a coup leader, who helped overthrow founding father Kwame Nkrumah exactly 60 years ago, from the country's main airport.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 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

We should certainly know by now that it is one thing to overthrow a dictator or repel an invader and quite another thing really to achieve a revolution.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin