1
as in highest
being at a point or level higher than all others
an office in the top story of the building the top student in our graduating class
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in most
of the greatest or highest degree or quantity
your safety is our top priority
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in excellent
of the very best kind
he's one of the tennis club's top players
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in chief
highest in rank or authority
nearly all of the top officials in the state's department of corrections resigned after the scandal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in pinnacle
the highest part or point
a hawk's nest at the very top of the tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to exceed
to be greater, better, or stronger than
the next contender's javelin throw topped the reigning champion's and set a new world record
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of top
Scott Horsley, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
Pittsburgh would not miss his services for long, as top prospect Bubba Chandler is already knocking on the door of the major leagues.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Jackie Fields, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Driving change starts at the top — lead by example.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2025
Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
This casserole is extra creamy and topped with cheesy homemade biscuits.
—Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top
Adjective
An index of consumer confidence, compiled by the nonprofit Conference Board, has fallen for five straight months, and tariffs have now eclipsed inflation as a top concern.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
Pittsburgh would not miss his services for long, as top prospect Bubba Chandler is already knocking on the door of the major leagues.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
The artist has been named a spokesperson for the brand’s Fructis line, which at the top of 2025 introduced its latest innovation: Sleek & Stay Heat Activated Serum.
—Jackie Fields, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Driving change starts at the top — lead by example.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
Earnings slightly topped analyst expectations, but revenue missed.
—Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
This casserole is extra creamy and topped with cheesy homemade biscuits.
—Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top
Recent Examples of Synonyms for top
Adjective
-
The commercial weather forecasting service says a storm is expected to move across the eastern half of North America during the peak shower activity, spreading clouds across most of the East Coast.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
So far, 2025 has been relatively calm at the pump for most Americans, thanks in part to OPEC’s ongoing restoration of oil production and continued uncertainty surrounding tariff policy and its potential impact on the global economy.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
He’s been excellent in dealing with traffic, as the Golden Knights put more bodies in front of him on Tuesday than pretty much the first four games.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of iron.—
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN,
Health,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Tom Buckingham, chief growth officer at Nassau Financial Group and retirement planner, told Newsweek that this is for a number of reasons.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Faced with potential federal spending cuts that threaten health coverage and falling childhood vaccination rates, Monica Soni, the chief medical officer of Covered California, has a lot on her plate — and on her mind.—
Bernard J. Wolfson,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The recall covers round glass 10-ounce bottles with white metal screw-top lids that were distributed in 28 states, from Alabama to Wisconsin, according to the FDA recall notice.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2025
-
The dishwasher-safe lid is one connected piece with the mouth-opening cover snapping open easily for single-handed use.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Many recalled his legacy as the first pope from Latin America, and the first Jesuit to reach the pinnacle of church hierarchy, one who stressed humility over hubris for a church beset with scandal and indifference.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
An unlikely ‘Captain Canuck’ While the debates were anti-climactic, Carney’s extraordinary ride to the pinnacle of Canadian politics has been anything but.—
Paula Newton,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
According to Garber, the Trump administration violated Harvard’s First Amendment rights with its demands and exceeds the statutory limits of the government’s authority under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.—
Kayla Jimenez,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Per a memo from Engel to the district superintendent, increases may not exceed the Consumer Price Index-Food Away from Home rate, which is currently 3.6%.—
Molly Morrow,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Leicester’s upper management never speak publicly, including owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, known as ‘Khun Top’, but the supporters feel explanations are in order.—
Rob Tanner,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
All three had vaccination rates in the mid to upper 90s several years before.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The tenets of the Society of Jesus emphasize the utmost importance of service, advocacy for the poor, and the promotion of peace.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Profitability—the point at which a film’s investors begin to see returns—is also of the utmost importance to studio bigwigs, sometimes to movie-lovers’ chagrin.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
25 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Top.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/top. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share