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.
Hanane Aboutoui collected five tallies and an assist as Methuen (4-4) toppled Tewksbury 14-4 in Merrimack Valley Conference action. Kevin Barrucci, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 The storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines, and left the ground littered with debris. Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026 Baker can be seen kicking the door, and a man toppled over a couch inside. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 In December 2024, a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham swept through the country with stunning speed, toppling the Assad regime that had ruled Syria since 1970. Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 16 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 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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