topple

verb

top·ple | \ ˈtä-pəl

toppled; toppling\ ˈtä-p(ə-)liŋ

Definition of topple

intransitive verb

: to fall from or as if from being top-heavy

transitive verb

1 : to cause to topple

2a : overthrow sense 2 topple a dictator

b : defeat sense 3

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about topple

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Synonyms & Antonyms for topple

Synonyms

fall, slip, stumble, trip, tumble

Antonyms

get up, rise, stand (up), uprise

Examples of topple in a Sentence

The strong winds toppled many trees. The earthquake toppled the buildings. The tree toppled into the river. The rebels tried to topple the dictator. The phone company has toppled its local competition.

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1977, four people waiting on the roof were killed when a helicopter toppled over and a rotor blade broke off and hit them. — Washington Post, "Helicopter crashes on roof of NYC skyscraper, killing pilot," 11 June 2019 In 1977, four people waiting on the roof were killed when a helicopter toppled over and a rotor blade broke off and hit them. — Jim Mustian, Twin Cities, "Helicopter crashes on roof of NYC skyscraper; pilot killed," 10 June 2019 In 1977, four people waiting on the roof were killed when a helicopter toppled over and a rotor blade broke off and hit them. — Jim Mustian, Anchorage Daily News, "Helicopter crashes on roof of NYC skyscraper; pilot killed," 10 June 2019 Use flexible straps that will allow the furniture to sway without toppling. — Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, "Western Kentucky feels aftermath of minor earthquake Thursday night," 7 June 2019 There was a failed attempt at a flea-flicker that resulted in Mitchell Trubisky getting awkwardly toppled over by Jamal Adams, and Jason Garrett subsequently throwing a challenge flag for an infraction that could not be challenged. — Jenny Vrentas, SI.com, "Make the NFL Pro Bowl a Flag Football Game," 7 June 2019 Yet all have displayed a tour veteran’s confidence, belief and sense of belonging in toppling favorites to post their best Grand Slam showings here at Roland Garros. — Liz Clarke, The Denver Post, "Amanda Anisimova, 17, is last American standing at French Open and a step from final," 6 June 2019 One barreled through Baton Rouge flipping cars, toppling trees and shredding the roof off an apartment complex. — Mireya Villarreal, CBS News, "More rain could hit Louisiana after flooding turns deadly," 6 June 2019 Their calls for political reform were answered in the early hours of June 4, 1989, with a bloody military crackdown that crushed the movement and toppled its symbols. — Laignee Barron / Hong Kong, Time, "How the Tiananmen Square Massacre Changed China Forever," 4 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'topple.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.