as in falling
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 toppling
McDonnell is the village president of North Barrington, rising to the seat after toppling the two-term incumbent in 2019.
—
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Their opposition to the attacks comes despite financial support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which has come out strongly in favor of toppling the Iranian regime.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
In many ways, analysts say, toppling Iran’s leadership represents a much more complex task than Iraq ever did.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Overhead bins got latched doors that same decade, to keep luggage from toppling onto passengers’ heads.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
This year’s meteorological winter, December to February, ended with a stretch of unprecedented 90 degree days — each one toppling or tying a record.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Another video showed people in the Iranian town of Galleh Dar toppling a monument dedicated to Khamenei’s predecessor and founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, as flames rose from the roundabout and onlookers cheered.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
Eyewitness video shows a crowd in southern Iran toppling a monument dedicated to the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
—Yarden Segev, NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026
Before his homeland of Cuba accused him of being a terrorist hellbent on toppling the island’s government, Pavel Alling Peña was a writer.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Their opposition to the attacks comes despite financial support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which has come out strongly in favor of toppling the Iranian regime.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026
In many ways, analysts say, toppling Iran’s leadership represents a much more complex task than Iraq ever did.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Overhead bins got latched doors that same decade, to keep luggage from toppling onto passengers’ heads.
—Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
This year’s meteorological winter, December to February, ended with a stretch of unprecedented 90 degree days — each one toppling or tying a record.
—Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Another video showed people in the Iranian town of Galleh Dar toppling a monument dedicated to Khamenei’s predecessor and founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, as flames rose from the roundabout and onlookers cheered.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026
Eyewitness video shows a crowd in southern Iran toppling a monument dedicated to the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
—Yarden Segev, NBC news, 1 Mar. 2026
Before his homeland of Cuba accused him of being a terrorist hellbent on toppling the island’s government, Pavel Alling Peña was a writer.
—Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for toppling
Verb
-
Last week, the Washington State Department of Health halted the recreational and commercial harvest of clams, oysters and mussels in Drayton Harbor after receiving multiple reports of people falling ill after consuming raw shellfish from the area.—
Jasmine Mendez
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
In the meantime, racecourse attendances remain below pre-pandemic levels and the industry’s costs are rising, while betting revenue is falling.—
Ian King,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The man then tripped, stumbling to the ground.—
Andrew Adeolu,
CBS News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
How Species Actually Get Discovered Now The popular image of species discovery involves an explorer stumbling across a strange creature in an untouched jungle.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Less than a minute into the game, Wild defenseman Brock Faber went to the penalty box for tripping and the Rangers converted on the ensuing power play.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Meanwhile, Avantika is the comedic standout as Bible-thumper Grace, who has no trouble taking down full grown men while tripping on drugs throughout much of the film, providing endless levity to the most dire of scenarios.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ocean-facing rooms feel paradisiac, and mornings here arrive gently, with little more than light and salt air slipping through the windows.—
Gina Góngora,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Most runners have had an experience like this at some point and been left wondering how to add mileage without slipping into injury.—
Emma Loewe,
Outside,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The tumbling Jazz, sitting their best players — injured and healthy — proved that again late Monday night in Utah by beating Golden State 119-116.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Markets reacted swiftly, with Dow futures tumbling 900 points.—
Nur Hikmah Md Ali,
CNBC,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Toppling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/toppling. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
