topple

verb

top·​ple ˈtä-pəl How to pronounce topple (audio)
toppled; toppling ˈtä-p(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce topple (audio)
Synonyms of topple

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

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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
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.
Udas is among a wave of reform-minded politicians who came to the fore after a popular and violent Gen Z uprising last year toppled the country’s political establishment. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 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 Kyiv is pressing Musk and Washington to expand Starlink coverage into Russia for long-range strikes, amid political fallout over miscommunications that helped topple a key defense official. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for topple

Word History

Etymology

frequentative of top entry 3

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of topple was in 1590

Rhymes for topple

See All Rhymes for topple

Browse Nearby Words

top plate
topple
toppo
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Cite this Entry

“Topple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topple. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

topple

verb
top·​ple ˈtäp-əl How to pronounce topple (audio)
toppled; toppling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce topple (audio)
1
: to fall over from being too heavy at the top
2
: to push over
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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