top dog

noun

Definition of top dognext
as in ruler

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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 dog New York is used to playing the role of top dog. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026 The team’s top dog, Jalen Brunson, began the play on the opposite side of the court, ready to cut through the paint and receive a pass, which could lead to a quick shot. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 10 June 2026 Viewers would see the new Tory top dog as a successor to the heroic age of plucky British polar exploration. — Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 9 June 2026 But after cleaning house in the Windy City and establishing himself as the top dog of the criminal underworld, with a growing family to boot, will the allure of his past be enough to send him packing? — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for top dog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for top dog
  1. ruler
  2. dominator
  3. placer
  4. overdog
Noun
  • The two singles jointly rank as the third-longest-running rulers of all time, but perhaps not for long.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • During the visit — the first by a Canadian leader to Saudi Arabia in 26 years — Carney met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Definition of ruler
Noun
  • When Chrome launched in 2008, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer was the industry dominator, with roughly 60% of global browser usage thanks to being the default on Windows computers.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 June 2026
  • The 29-year-old Ontario native had yet to taste the third round in nine seasons with Toronto, but has been a dominator for Vegas.
    — Jesse Granger, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Definition of dominator
Noun
  • Its breakout star is Parker Schnabel, a thirty-one-year-old who runs a placer mine in the Yukon that brought in fifty-one million dollars last year.
    — Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Joining perennial top-placer Jane in the top two this week is … Kenya Pleaser?
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
Definition of placer
Noun
  • But perhaps the biggest antidote to The Studio’s overdog problem is that its fat-cat Apple TV+ profile can easily be spun as good for everybody.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
  • This team has cast off its familiar underdog mantle and embraced being the overdog.
    — Jeré Longman, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2023
Definition of overdog

Browse Nearby Words

topcoats
top dog
top dogs
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Cite this Entry

“Top dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/top%20dog. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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