top
21 synonyms and 0 antonyms for top, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The highest point or part of something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use top
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English topp, meaning the highest part or summit of something — the same root that gives us words like "topple".
Full origin of top →Frequently asked questions
What does “top” mean?
The word “top” means the highest point or part of something. In plain terms, the highest part of anything, or (as a verb) to beat or exceed something, or add a final layer on top.
How do you pronounce “top”?
“Top” is pronounced top (/tɑp/ in IPA).
How do you use “top” in a sentence?
Here is “top” used in a sentence: “They finally reached the top of the mountain at noon.”
What part of speech is “top”?
Depending on how it is used, “top” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “top” come from?
The word “top” comes from Old English. From Old English topp, meaning the highest part or summit of something — the same root that gives us words like "topple".
Is “top” a common word?
“Top” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “top” have?
“Top” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the highest point or part of something.
What is the difference between the top and the peak?
'Top' is the general word for the highest part of anything — the top of a page, a bottle, or a hill. 'Peak' refers specifically to a pointed summit, most often of a mountain, and can also mean the highest level of achievement. Every peak is a top, but not every top is a peak.
What is the opposite of 'top'?
The opposite of 'top' is 'bottom' — the lowest point or part of something. Depending on context, 'base,' 'foot,' or 'underside' can also serve. The top of the stairs leads down to the bottom; the top of a page sits above its foot. 'Top' and 'bottom' are the most common pair.
What is an example of 'top' used in a sentence?
You might say, 'The book is on the top of the shelf,' meaning its highest part. Other examples include 'She reached the top of the mountain' or 'Write your name at the top of the page.' In each case, 'top' points to the uppermost point or surface of something.