overthrow

verb

over·​throw ˌō-vər-ˈthrō How to pronounce overthrow (audio)
overthrew ˌō-vər-ˈthrü How to pronounce overthrow (audio) ; overthrown ˌō-vər-ˈthrōn How to pronounce overthrow (audio) ; overthrowing

transitive verb

1
2
: to cause the downfall of : bring down, defeat
3
: to throw a ball over or past (something or someone, such as a base or a receiver)
overthrow 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
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.
Federal prosecutors recently moved to dismiss two actions accusing Trump of plotting to overthrow President Biden’s win in 2020 and hoarding classified documents at his country clubs after leaving office. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025 The Hutts had huge influence at this time — one named Kossak the Hutt actually overthrew Xim’s empire. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 9 Jan. 2025 He was indicted on charges of inciting a coup in an attempt to overthrow the election. Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 8 Jan. 2025 Since the Assad dictatorship was overthrown last month, the U.S. military has stepped up its air strikes on ISIS targets in that country because of an alarming increase in ISIS operations there. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for overthrow 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overthrow was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near overthrow

Cite this Entry

“Overthrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overthrow. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

overthrow

verb
over·​throw -ˈthrō How to pronounce overthrow (audio)
overthrew -ˈthrü How to pronounce overthrow (audio) ; overthrown -ˈthrōn How to pronounce overthrow (audio) ; 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 noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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