topple

verb

top·​ple ˈtä-pəl 

toppled; toppling ˈtä-p(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

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

transitive verb

1

: to cause to topple

2

a

: overthrow sense 2

topple a dictator

b

: defeat sense 1

Synonyms

• fall
• stumble
• trip
• slip
• tumble

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

Planting them in groups or among other plants helps keep them upright, but tall varieties often topple over onto their neighbors as the season progresses. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025

The Islamic Republic grew even weaker in December, when rebels toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, another faithful Iranian ally. —Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025

Regal score: 5 out of 5 Cinemark score: 1 out of 5 Regal final score: 16 out of 20 Cinemark final score: 9 out of 20 Taking all of these categories into account, Regal’s fetal dino topples Cinemark’s T. rex. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 3 July 2025

Images and videos show toppled semi-trucks in western Indiana The storm system heading toward central Indiana toppled several semis Wednesday afternoon. —Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of top entry 3

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for topple

• estoppel
• popple

Kids Definition

topple

verb

top·​ple ˈtäp-əl 

toppled; toppling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to fall over from being too heavy at the top

2

: to push over