overtop

verb

over·​top ˌō-vər-ˈtäp 

overtopped; overtopping; overtops

transitive verb

1

: to rise above the top of

2

: to be superior to

3

: surpass

Synonyms of overtop

• exceed
• top
• surpass
• eclipse
• better

Examples of overtop in a Sentence

a manager whose arrogance was overtopped only by his ineptitude

Recent Examples on the Web

Its powerhouse was destroyed after a 1940 flood overtopped the dam, proving that continued operation has required rebuilding, not merely preservation. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026

Residents said they were caught off guard a year ago and didn’t receive any warning when floods overtopped the Guadalupe. — Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

The dam was in the process of being turned over to area residents when the failure occurred, releasing a torrent that also overtopped the downstream Sanford Dam and flooded the city of Midland. — ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

Additional steps to prevent the water from overtopping the dam. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overtop

• barbershop
• countertop
• lollipop
• mountaintop
• photoshop
• tabletop
• turboprop
• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop

Kids Definition

overtop

verb

over·​top ˌō-vər-ˈtäp 

1

: to rise above the top of : go beyond in height

overtopped my cousin by 3 inches

2

: surpass