overthrow 1 of 2

overthrow

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb overthrow differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of overthrow are conquer, defeat, overcome, reduce, subdue, and vanquish. While all these words mean "to get the better of by force or strategy," overthrow stresses the bringing down or destruction of existing power.

violently overthrew the old regime

When might conquer be a better fit than overthrow?

While in some cases nearly identical to overthrow, conquer implies gaining mastery of.

Caesar conquered Gaul

How are the words defeat and vanquish related as synonyms of overthrow?

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

the Confederates defeated the Union forces at Manassas

Where would overcome be a reasonable alternative to overthrow?

The meanings of overcome and overthrow largely overlap; however, overcome suggests getting the better of with difficulty or after hard struggle.

overcame a host of bureaucratic roadblocks

When is it sensible to use reduce instead of overthrow?

Although the words reduce and overthrow have much in common, reduce implies a forcing to capitulate or surrender.

the city was reduced after a month-long siege

When can subdue be used instead of overthrow?

The synonyms subdue and overthrow are sometimes interchangeable, but subdue implies a defeating and suppression.

subdued the native tribes after years of fighting

When is vanquish a more appropriate choice than overthrow?

The words vanquish and overthrow are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vanquish implies a complete overpowering.

vanquished the enemy and ended the war

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overthrow
Noun
Thailand’s Constitutional Court ordered the party to end its lese majeste campaign, and accused its leaders of seeking to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025 Savaiinaea allowed pressure that might have made Wilson overthrow TE Tanner Conner in the second quarter. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
New York made four errors on the evening, including two overthrows that led to multiple free bases on the same play. Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 Fields, who went 7-of-11 on the day, had a few overthrows on plays that likely were sacks. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overthrow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overthrow
Noun
  • Biden and, by extension, Harris will be remembered even and perhaps especially by Democrats as symbolizing disappointment and defeat.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Austin Corbett used stronger terms to describe the mood following the 26-10 defeat.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • No subsequent franchise title has been able to topple that record, although many are betting on Last Rites to do just that.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But that dynasty has long been loathed by Thailand’s powerful conservative and royalist establishment which, with the help of both the military and courts, has frequently toppled or tied up Shinawatra-run governments.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As the infection overwhelms the body, severe drops in blood pressure further starve vital organs of oxygen.
    Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 8 Sep. 2025
  • That’s a fast track to overwhelm, a broken budget, and frustration.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Admission is free and activities include inflatables, carnival games, coloring and beating.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • When beating, whip with vigor using a fork instead of a whisk.
    Megan Zhang, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An outside hearing examiner overturned the December dismissal of Matthew Krueger, saying there was no cause to support any disciplinary action, according to a Facebook post by the Fort Worth Police Officers Association.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The administration contends the law is unconstitutional, asserting an expansive view of presidential power that could prompt the Supreme Court to overturn what remains of its 90-year-old precedent upholding such removal protections.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In April, Zamzam, Sudan's largest refugee camp, home to more than half a million people, was overrun by the RSF, leaving hundreds dead, including aid workers from Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and Relief International.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Although the city had previously cleared Columbus Park, RVs and encampments returned and overran the public space.
    Devan Patel, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The 49ers’ defensive coordinator, Nate Faanes, found the right lineup combinations in Saturday night’s loss, even without starting defensive linemen Jaylon Johnson and DJ Burgess, the latter being out for the season with an upper-body injury.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Florida Democrats, weakened by years of losses and fractured messaging, continue to face a shrinking electorate.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Skinner wanted a natural left-footer who could invade space instead of a right-footed player like Celin Bizet having to invert.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Tilt the skillet toward the plate and let gravity roll and invert the omelet, seam-side down, onto the plate.
    Jeremiah Langhorne, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overthrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overthrow. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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