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
That lack of clear, top-down expectations can prevent CMOs from effectively aligning resources with the CEO’s long-term strategy.
—
Rekha Thomas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Earvin was a top-down administrator, not supportive of a faculty senate — as was the case with McMillan — and did not have an open-door policy as the two previous presidents did.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
In another portion of the review, employees say that most communication was top-down and lacked transparency, and that top leadership avoided difficult conversations.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 23 June 2025
In fast-changing environments, top-down control fails.
—Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for top-down
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Rekha Thomas, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Earvin was a top-down administrator, not supportive of a faculty senate — as was the case with McMillan — and did not have an open-door policy as the two previous presidents did.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
In another portion of the review, employees say that most communication was top-down and lacked transparency, and that top leadership avoided difficult conversations.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 23 June 2025
In fast-changing environments, top-down control fails.
—Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
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 18 Jul. 2025.
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