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

Keep scrolling for more

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

Complaints from letter carriers assigned to Mailsters ranged from the front wheel getting stuck in trolley tracks to constant breakdowns, Pope says, and even one report of a massive dog toppling the vehicle. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "12 Geeky Ways to Deliver Mail: U.S. Postal Service Technology Through the Ages," 18 Jan. 2019 The next moment, the rock shifted, dislodging itself from the ridge and toppling onto Lord. — The Atlantic, "Is Social Media Luring Hikers Into 'Death Gully'?," 17 May 2018 Thousands lost power and a tree toppled into a Fort Lauderdale house. — Joe Cavaretta, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Large tree crashes through home, but area mostly spared after two tornadoes," 11 Apr. 2018 Katie McWilliams was a freshman when Oregon State toppled the Lady Bears in Dallas. — Special To The Oregonian, OregonLive.com, "2 years after a 'defining moment' for Oregon State women, Beavers again meet Baylor in NCAA Tournament," 22 Mar. 2018 But after reaching the AFC championship (and nearly toppling New England), the team has bought in. — Jacob Feldman, SI.com, "Patriot Way Taking Hold Under Belichick Disciples in Detroit, Tennessee," 12 June 2018 Stewart gained a statewide following after nearly toppling Ed Gillespie in last year’s gubernatorial primary, and notoriety after associating with white supremacists. — Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, "Virginia voters go to the polls to nominate Rep. Comstock challenger, GOP Senate hopeful," 12 June 2018 Along with 21-year-old Alexander Zverev, who beat Thiem in the Madrid final and nearly toppled Nadal in Rome, Thiem, 24, has the all-consuming drive to be No. 1. — Geoff Macdonald, New York Times, "Players to Watch at the French Open," 25 May 2018 Students occupied buildings in the Sorbonne and general strikes brought the country to a standstill throughout the month and nearly toppled the government of Charles de Gaulle. — Joshua Berlinger, CNN, "Hundreds detained after Paris May Day protests turn violent," 2 May 2018

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.