overthrow

verb

over·​throw ˌō-vər-ˈthrō 

overthrew ˌō-vər-ˈthrü  ; overthrown ˌō-vər-ˈthrōn  ; overthrowing

transitive verb

1

: overturn, upset

a storm overthrowing trees

2

: to cause the downfall of : bring down, defeat

overthrow a tyrant

3

: to throw a ball over or past (something or someone, such as a base or a receiver)

overthrow

ˈō-vər-ˌthrō 

noun

Choose the Right Synonym for overthrow

conquer, vanquish, defeat, subdue, reduce, overcome, overthrow mean to get the better of by force or strategy.

conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

defeat does not imply the finality or completeness of vanquish which it otherwise equals.

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

Examples of overthrow in a Sentence

The quarterback overthrew his receiver.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Nationalists and Communists worked together to overthrow the Japanese at the end of World War II. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

Though the majority of Iranians want a secular democracy, overthrowing the current regime could also come with consequences, according to professor Akhtar. —Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026

The monarchist movement has not governed Iran since 1979, and its corrupt, despotic leader was overthrown in the revolution. —Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026

Trump wants the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow their government. —Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overthrow

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

overthrow

verb

over·​throw -ˈthrō 

overthrew -ˈthrü  ; overthrown -ˈthrōn  ; overthrowing

1

: overturn sense 1, upset

lawn chairs overthrown by the gale

2

: defeat entry 1, destroy

a government overthrown by rebels

3

: to throw a ball over or past

overthrew second base

overthrow

ˈō-vər-ˌthrō 

noun