overthrow 1 of 2

overthrow

2 of 2

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
Verb
Listen to this article A Missouri man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for intentionally driving a U-Haul truck into barriers near the White House as part of an attack aimed at overthrowing the U.S. government and establishing a Nazi regime. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 17 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for overthrow 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overthrow
Noun
  • Despite Fritz’s defeat, there remains a healthy contingent of US participants in the tournament, with Monfils facing American Ben Shelton in the fourth round on Monday.
    Matias Grez, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Their first defeat since December 7 must be quickly consigned to history and Howe’s team must learn how to better recover from setbacks at home.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Shiffrin hit the snow, smashed into the gate, toppled over her skis and slid into the protective fence.
    Pat Graham, The Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2025
  • One of the group’s options to topple the dollar was to create a unified BRICS currency — a proposal spearheaded by Brazil, which has yet to gain traction.
    Abby Ryanto, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Within days of the first flames, the shelter — which was overwhelmed by donations of food bowls, blankets and large crates from grateful residents — was packed to the rafters with animals.
    Johnny Dodd, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Although Queen has appeared in 10 consecutive contests, and 15 of the last 16, he’s only played when the team has been overwhelmed by injuries.
    Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Pereira outclassed Rountree, putting a beating on his opponent before scoring a fourth-round TKO win.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Frazier gave Ali the worst beating of his life, slamming his midsection, round after round, with blows meant to send his kidneys and heart into unbearable anguish.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • That came in response to a Supreme Court ruling last year that granted Trump sweeping protections from criminal liability over his role in trying to overturn his 2020 loss to Biden.
    Chris Megerian, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
  • In 2020, Moody supported Trump by backing the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit that aimed to overturn his loss in the presidential election that year.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The four female soldiers on Hamas' list were taken from Nahal Oz base near the border with Gaza when Palestinian militants overran it on Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 60 soldiers there.
    SHLOMO MOR AND WAAFA SHURAFA THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The four soldiers were taken from Nahal Oz base near Israel's border with Gaza when Palestinian militants overran it.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • While initial reports had the campus destroyed, officials have indicated that the site, while damaged, is not a total loss.
    Tom Tapp, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2025
  • First of all, Mark was not the only one responsible for the loss.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Trump executive order inverts civil rights hiring protections President Donald Trump revoked a 1965 civil rights executive order Tuesday, rolling back authorities long used to prevent employment discrimination by federal contractors, subcontractors and grant recipients.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Cool in pan on a wire rack; invert directly onto rack, remove paper and cool completely.
    Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near overthrow

Cite this Entry

“Overthrow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overthrow. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on overthrow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!