What does "overturn" mean?
A turning over or upside-down; inversion.
Overturn
/ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈtɜː(ɹ)n/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A turning over or upside-down; inversion.
- Grammar: overturn is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: annul, annulling, answer, answer conclusively.
- Useful contrasts: affirm, balance, confirm.
- Usage evidence: Then I'll help you overturn the wagon.
How to use "overturn"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "overturn" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "overturn" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "overturn" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "overturn" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "overturn" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "annul" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "overturn", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A turning over or upside-down; inversion.
- 2 an improbable and unexpected victory wordnet
- 3 The overturning or overthrow of some institution or state of affairs; ruin.
- 4 the act of upsetting something wordnet
Verb
- 1 To turn over, capsize or upset. ambitransitive
"About three or four minutes later still an express freight on the up main line ran into the wreckage at about 35 m.p.h. Its engine also overturned and 15 more wagons were added to the mounting pile of wreckage."
- 2 change radically wordnet
- 3 To overthrow or destroy. transitive
- 4 rule against wordnet
- 5 To reverse (a decision); to overrule or rescind. transitive
"In a report for the Sun on Sunday, Barak claimed that Andrew is consulting lawyers about overturning that settlement."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 cancel officially wordnet
- 7 To diminish the significance of a previous defeat by winning; to make a comeback from. transitive
"Villa spent most of the second period probing from wide areas and had a succession of corners but despite their profligacy they will be glad to overturn the 6-0 hammering they suffered at St James' Park in August following former boss Martin O'Neill's departure"
- 8 turn from an upright or normal position wordnet
- 9 To undergo a limnic eruption, where dissolved gas suddenly erupts from the depths. intransitive
- 10 cause to overturn from an upright or normal position wordnet
- 11 cause the downfall of; of rulers wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Then I'll help you overturn the wagon."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "overturn"?
Common synonyms include: annul, annulling, answer, answer conclusively, argue down, be lost.
How do you use "overturn" in a sentence?
Then I'll help you overturn the wagon.
How do you pronounce "overturn"?
Pronounced /ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈtɜː(ɹ)n/.
Etymology
From Middle English overturnen, equivalent to over- + turn. Compare also Middle English overterven (“to overturn”), see terve.