How to say "overthrow" in Japanese

• 打倒だとうCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'overthrow' in the sense of bringing down or defeating an opponent, such as an enemy, rival, or force to be knocked down; it is a noun-like term of defeat rather than an act of toppling an institution.
  その過激派かげきはが政府せいふ打倒だとうの陰謀いんぼうを企くわだてているという噂うわさが立たってる。↗

  There is a rumor that the radicals are plotting against the government.
• 滅ぼすほろぼすJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbA verb meaning to destroy, ruin, or wreck, and by extension to overthrow; use it when the emphasis is on obliterating or ruining the target rather than the political act of toppling it.
  核兵器かくへいきはわが地球ちきゅうを滅ほろぼすと思おもう。↗

  We think nuclear weapons will destroy our earth.
• 覆すくつがえすJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe verb for overthrowing a government or similar established order; this is the natural choice when 'overthrow' is an action you need, as in rebels overthrowing a regime.
• 転覆てんぷくCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbA noun referring to the overthrow of a government or similar body; like 打倒 it is nominal, so use it when naming the event itself, for example a plot or attempt at overthrow.

Use 「覆す」 or 転覆 for overthrowing a government, 打倒 for bringing down an opponent or enemy, and 「滅ぼす」 when the sense is destroying or ruining something outright.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 打倒だとうoverthrow
• 滅ぼすほろぼすto destroy
• 倒すたおすto overthrow
• 覆すくつがえすto overthrow (government etc.)
• 転覆てんぷくoverthrow (e.g. of a government)
• 打ち壊すうちこわすto ruin (e.g. a plan)