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Synonyms

topple

American  
[top-uhl] / ˈtɒp əl /

verb (used without object)

toppled, toppling
  1. to fall forward, as from having too heavy a top; pitch; tumble down.

  2. to lean over or jut, as if threatening to fall.


verb (used with object)

toppled, toppling
  1. to cause to topple.

  2. to overthrow, as from a position of authority.

    to topple the king.

    Synonyms:
    overpower, overcome, vanquish, defeat
topple British  
/ ˈtɒpəl /

verb

  1. to tip over or cause to tip over, esp from a height

  2. (intr) to lean precariously or totter

  3. (tr) to overthrow; oust

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • untoppled adjective

Etymology

Origin of topple

1535–45; earlier top to tilt, topple ( tope 1 ) + -le

Explanation

To topple something is to knock it down. A house of cards can be toppled — so can a government. Things can topple in several ways. If a building collapses or falls down for any reason, it topples. If you knocked over another student, you toppled that person. Governments that are overthrown are also said to be toppled. When you see the word topple, someone or something is going down.

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Vocabulary lists containing topple

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Even if a fire didn’t spark, trucks could topple.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

After claiming a photo-finish victory at Kempton Park on Boxing Day to topple 2024 King George winner Banbridge and 9-4 joint-favourite Gaelic Warrior, Redknapp said: "We've come into the Champions League today."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

But little evidence suggests so far that Iranians are ready to rise up to topple their government.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

That’s the challenge in trying to topple the Trailblazers — there’s always someone ready to step forward to deliver.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

Camille shoots out her hand when one of the quarters threatens to topple over the edge.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller