Synonyms of top-heavynext
1
: having the top part too heavy for the lower part
2
: having too high a proportion of administrators
a top-heavy bureaucracy
3
: oversupplied with one element at the expense of others : lacking balance
a novel top-heavy with description

Examples of top-heavy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The plants can also get top-heavy and easily blow over. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026 The Panthers’ 17-player free-agent class is definitely top-heavy. Joseph Person, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026 The current tax breaks for retirement savings are top-heavy, favoring the well-off. Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 25 Feb. 2026 This helps to moderate moisture levels in the potting mix and slows jade plant growth so the plants don’t get too top-heavy. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for top-heavy

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of top-heavy was circa 1531

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Cite this Entry

“Top-heavy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top-heavy. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

top-heavy

adjective
ˈtäp-ˌhev-ē
: having the top part too heavy for the lower part

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