top dog
noun
: a person, group, or thing in a position of authority especially through victory in a hard-fought competition
Examples of top dog in a Sentence
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Well, perhaps Colorado, the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars or Carolina Hurricanes step into the void that’s left and re-establish themselves as the top dogs in the league.
—
James Mirtle, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
As various subplots chugged along toward their combustion point, top dog Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his aggrieved nephew Michael (Finn Cole) had their final stand-off.
—Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
The most popular personalities on Fox News — still the top dog among conservatives — continue to be supportive.
—Ali Swenson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
In addition, the two brands are the most popular companies in each of the more than 100 counties, but which one is top dog depends on the county.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for top dog
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James Mirtle, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
As various subplots chugged along toward their combustion point, top dog Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his aggrieved nephew Michael (Finn Cole) had their final stand-off.
—Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
The most popular personalities on Fox News — still the top dog among conservatives — continue to be supportive.
—Ali Swenson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
In addition, the two brands are the most popular companies in each of the more than 100 counties, but which one is top dog depends on the county.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 1 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for top dog
Cite this Entry
“Top dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dog. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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