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
Recent Examples on the Web
Cheesy Garlic Bread won in 2012, Kettle-Cooked Wasabi Ginger took the cake in 2014, Southern Biscuits and Gravy was crowned in 2015 and Crispy Taco was the top dog in 2017.
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Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 17 June 2025
Whereas in 2023, the previous instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Dead Reckoning, had to take third place behind Oppenheimer and Barbie, in the hunt (pun intended) for IMAX slots, this time, Mr. Cruise has done everything possible to ensure that The Final Reckoning will be top dog.
—Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Reading emerged as the top dog in the Middlesex Liberty with 17 wins, while Somerset Berkley and North Attleboro should not be overlooked.
—Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025
Overall, that’s where the Thunder won the series: Their youth and depth proved to be stronger than Denver’s in the long-run, and the Nuggets were too reliant on their top dogs.
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for top dog
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Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 17 June 2025
Whereas in 2023, the previous instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Dead Reckoning, had to take third place behind Oppenheimer and Barbie, in the hunt (pun intended) for IMAX slots, this time, Mr. Cruise has done everything possible to ensure that The Final Reckoning will be top dog.
—Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Reading emerged as the top dog in the Middlesex Liberty with 17 wins, while Somerset Berkley and North Attleboro should not be overlooked.
—Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025
Overall, that’s where the Thunder won the series: Their youth and depth proved to be stronger than Denver’s in the long-run, and the Nuggets were too reliant on their top dogs.
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
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 30 Jun. 2025.
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