topple

verb

ˈtä-pəl How to pronounce topple (audio)
Definition of topplenext
as in to fall
to go down from an upright position suddenly and involuntarily the tower of blocks toppled even though I bumped into it ever so slightly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 topple Everyone seemed pretty elated for coming out of a festival that hadn’t toppled the patriarchy, but had proven again that, in 2026, women rule music in virtually every qualifiable way. — Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026 The settlement removes a risk that could have toppled the business. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 But until Milosevic was toppled by a popular uprising in 2000, Mladic lived securely – if discreetly – in Belgrade. — Ivana Sekularac, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Plough, a former UCD quarterback and offensive coach, said that in order to compete for the Big Sky crown, teams have to win their home games and topple at least one heavyweight on the road. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for topple
Recent Examples of Synonyms for topple
  1. fall
  2. stumble
  3. trip
  4. slip
  5. tumble
Verb
  • The key to why scores are falling so widely may be found in an accompanying survey taken by students.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Volatility tends to ease in November, with the VIX falling around 4% as the midterm results remove a key political overhang and provide investors with greater clarity on the policy backdrop, said James Ooi, market strategist at Tiger Brokers.
    — Joanna Ossinger,Justina Lee, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of fall
Verb
  • But since then, Nosková has solidified while Sabalenka has stumbled, and the Czech has also gotten through some tough matches to reach this one.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Byron Nelson stumbles again Normally an area power, Trophy Club Byron Nelson is off to a rocky start.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of stumble
Verb
  • At one point Hussain, having to contend with more limited space in the box with another person in there, nearly trips over a box.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Gillian Jacobs as Jerri Dougan Gerry was the starting quarterback for the Catfish at the beginning of the first season until Danny (Frankie Rodriguez) — the school mascot who helps turn Russ into Chad and keep up his illusion — trips him.
    — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of trip
Verb
  • While the airline and ground control argued over replacements, a group of eight highly experienced traveling grooms, including Vard, slipped into emergency mode.
    — Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Boston Scientific — The medical device maker slipped more than 2% after the company said a recent cyberattack likely impacted sales and profit targets for 2026.
    — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of slip
Verb
  • The primary suite has dual walk-in closets, a soaking tub surrounded by 10-foot tumbled travertine stone walls, a steam shower, dry sauna and private fitness area.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Lululemon Athletica — Shares of the sportswear manufacturer tumbled 20% after the company posted a glum forecast for the current quarter.
    — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of tumble

Browse Nearby Words

toppings
topple
toppled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topple.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/topple. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of hobnob

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All