What does overturn mean?
Word: Overturn
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Overturn means to turn something over so that it is upside down or on its side. It also means to change an official decision to the opposite.
Synonyms: capsize, topple, upset, reverse
Antonyms: uphold
How do you spell overturn?
Syllables: o - ver - turn
Tricky part: Overturn is written as one word, with no space or hyphen.
Watch out for: over turn, over-turn
Memory tip: No hyphen: overturn is one word, like overflow and overcome.
Overturn in a sentence
Example 1: A big wave overturned the little rowing boat.
Example 2: Do not overturn the paint tin on the new rug.
Example 3: The cat overturned a glass of milk on the table.
Fun Fact
In cricket, a team can ask the TV umpire to review a decision, and a wrong call can then be overturned.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell Spies
Choose the misspelt word/s in the given sentence:
Our puppy managed to overtern his water bowl twice before lunch, so Mum moved it to a quiter corner.
a) only overtern
b) puppy, quiter
c) managed, corner
d) overtern, quiter
Show answer
d) overtern, quiter. Turn is spelt with ur, and quieter has an e before the t.
Word Champ
Choose the correct word for the blank:
Sit still in the middle, or you will ___ the canoe.
a) overtake
b) overturn
c) overlook
d) overhear
Show answer
b) overturn. Overtake is to pass, overlook is to miss and overhear is to hear by chance.
Sound Check
Which word does not rhyme with overturn?
a) concern
b) adjourn
c) discern
d) adorn
Show answer
d) adorn. Adorn ends with the sound of corn; the other three end with the same sound as overturn.
Word Puzzle
Match the words with their meanings:
1. overturn 2. overflow 3. oversleep A. to change an official decision, such as an umpire's call, to the opposite B. to sleep longer than you meant to C. to spill over the edges because a container is too full
a) 1-C, 2-A, 3-B
b) 1-A, 2-B, 3-C
c) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B
d) 1-B, 2-C, 3-A
Show answer
c) 1-A, 2-C, 3-B. A wrong call can be overturned, a full bucket can overflow and a tired pupil may oversleep.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The cat overturned the flower vase. Where is the vase now?
a) inside the cupboard
b) lying on its side
c) in the shop
d) back on the shelf
Show answer
b) lying on its side
2. In a storm, which of these could overturn?
a) a mountain
b) a small boat
c) a brick wall
d) a stone bridge
Show answer
b) a small boat
