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

At 27 feet, many agricultural levees are overtopped, rural areas flood widely, and secondary roads and homes behind levees may be inundated. — Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

At the vessel level, sheer survival is about to overtop operational efficiency. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

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

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