top-down
adjective
1
: controlled, directed, or instituted from the top level
a top-down corporate structure
2
: proceeding by breaking large general aspects (as of a problem) into smaller more detailed constituents : working from the general to the specific
top-down programming
top-down design
Examples of top-down in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These micro-feedback loops are often more effective than top-down communications during periods of rapid change.
—
Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
This top-down initiative aimed to alleviate the poor nutrition of some of the most vulnerable Americans.
—Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
The city’s fundamental error lies in presenting infrastructure as a top-down gift.
—Yunus Emre Tozal, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Others mistook Caesar’s top-down approach for a desire to replace the Republic with a monarchy.
—Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for top-down
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Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 14 Feb. 2026
This top-down initiative aimed to alleviate the poor nutrition of some of the most vulnerable Americans.
—Annie Levin, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026
The city’s fundamental error lies in presenting infrastructure as a top-down gift.
—Yunus Emre Tozal, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
Others mistook Caesar’s top-down approach for a desire to replace the Republic with a monarchy.
—Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for top-down
Cite this Entry
“Top-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top-down. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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