overtop

verb

over·​top ˌō-vər-ˈtäp How to pronounce overtop (audio)
overtopped; overtopping; overtops
Synonyms of overtopnext

transitive verb

1
: to rise above the top of
2
: to be superior to
3
: surpass

Synonyms of overtop

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Examples of overtop in a Sentence

a manager whose arrogance was overtopped only by his ineptitude
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.
The bulkhead that protects beachfront homes was overtopped by waves and was significantly damaged on Seaside Walk between 64th Place and 66th Place, the city said in a statement. — Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 On Sunday, officials said wave activity overtopped the bulkhead, so portable pumps were brought in to help remove water that flooded some homes and streets. — Austin Turner, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026 At 27 feet, many agricultural levees are overtopped, rural areas flood widely, and secondary roads and homes behind levees may be inundated. — Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 At the vessel level, sheer survival is about to overtop operational efficiency. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overtop

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overtop was circa 1594

Rhymes for overtop

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Browse Nearby Words

Overton window
overtop
overtrade
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Cite this Entry

“Overtop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtop. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overtop

verb
over·​top ˌō-vər-ˈtäp How to pronounce overtop (audio)
1
: to rise above the top of : go beyond in height
overtopped my cousin by 3 inches
2
: surpass
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