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 of topple

• 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

In 2024, the Kremlin was forced to evacuate and grant asylum to its Syrian ally, Bashar al-Assad, as he was toppled by rebel forces. —Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026

Five other meet records were toppled at the TRACK at New Balance, two of which were delivered by Sharon’s Nina Kyei-Aboagye. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 21 Feb. 2026

Oligui Nguema, had toppled President Ali Bongo Ondimba, who was accused of irresponsible governance. —Arkansas Online, 19 Feb. 2026

The triple-ball design comes preassembled in classic Roman-style planters and looks impressively realistic, according to Amazon reviewers—even moving gracefully in the wind without toppling over. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2026

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