topple

verb

top·​ple ˈtä-pəl How to pronounce topple (audio)
toppled; toppling ˈtä-p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce topple (audio)
Synonyms of topplenext

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

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
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.
Byron Nelson topples Guyer, evens series Byron Nelson defeated Denton Guyer 2-1 to even the two squads’ Class 6A Division II regional final series at Byron Nelson High School. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2026 Kean’s seat is one of several Democrats are hoping to flip to topple Republicans’ slim majority in the House. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 Such toppling energy may be necessary for Ionesco’s vision to spontaneously ignite into antic life. Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 Paul Skenes allowed two hits over eight masterful innings to help the Pittsburgh Pirates toppled the Colorado Rockies 3-1 on Tuesday night. CBS News, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for topple

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of top entry 3

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of topple was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topple. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

topple

verb
top·​ple ˈtäp-əl How to pronounce topple (audio)
toppled; toppling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce topple (audio)
1
: to fall over from being too heavy at the top
2
: to push over

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