top dog

noun

Synonyms of top dognext
: a person, group, or thing in a position of authority especially through victory in a hard-fought competition

Examples of top dog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Trump was top dog, of course, without whom nothing was possible. Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 McKenzie is top dog in Class 3A in the 238-pound weight class in both the Traditional and Olympic style competitions. Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026 White sharks have been the top dog. Michael H Gavshon, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 Vance’s top dog status could spur rivals in both parties to portray him as the face of an unpopular war that voters blame for rising inflation and the all-important price of gas at the pump. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for top dog

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of top dog was in 1900

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Cite this Entry

“Top dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dog. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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