What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upend
Example
He upended the bucket to empty out the water. [upended: past tense]
Example
The gymnast upended herself on the balance beam. [upend: verb]
overturn
Example
The strong winds overturned the patio furniture. [overturned: past tense]
Example
The court overturned the previous ruling and declared the defendant innocent. [overturn: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Overturn is more commonly used than upend in everyday language. Overturn is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while upend is less common and refers to a more specific type of turning over.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upend and overturn?
Both upend and overturn are formal words that can be used in various contexts, including legal, academic, and professional settings.
