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overtop

[oh-ver-top, oh-ver-top] / ˌoʊ vərˈtɒp, ˈoʊ vərˌtɒp /












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.

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When meltwaters reach a certain level, they can overtop a glacier that previously held them back.

From BBC Aug. 13, 2025

The reservoir behind the dam rose to within 1 foot of the dam’s maximum storage capacity, prompting warnings that water could overtop the dam and worsen already-dangerous conditions downstream, or damage the dam.

From Scientific American Jul. 13, 2023

The deadly weather is foiling evacuation plans and straining the state’s aging infrastructure as strong winds topple power lines and fast rising waters overtop levees.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 11, 2023

If the rivers overtop their banks, water can inundate the plot safely, reducing flood risk downriver.

From New York Times Jan. 5, 2023

He screeched insults at the bear, which hearing, the bear reared up and seemed to me to overtop Rocinante.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Salt water that overtops the underwater sill is still lower in salinity than the water behind the sill toward the Gulf, Jones said.

From Seattle Times Oct. 5, 2023

Porterville residents evacuate as Lake Success overtops the Schafer Dam spillway.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 16, 2023

The ocean regularly overtops dunes and washes out much of Highway 12 — the only road linking Hatteras Island and the rest of Dare County.

From Washington Post Sep. 6, 2019

In this drone photo released by Duke Energy, flooding from the swollen Cape Fear River overtops an earthen dike at Sutton Lake, a 1,100-acre lake at the L.V.

From Fox News Sep. 21, 2018

In the course of about three months it overtops the grass and proceeds to travel.

From The Preparation of Plantation Rubber by Sidney Morgan

After three days of rain, the dam collapsed in May 2020, releasing a torrent that overtopped the downstream Sanford Dam and flooded the city of Midland.

From Washington Times Sep. 8, 2023

Early on Saturday, officials said that water had overtopped a dam in the central North Chungcheong province.

From BBC Jul. 15, 2023

Dams that are small and located in rural areas may cause less damage if they are overtopped or fail.

From Scientific American Jul. 13, 2023

As yet another atmospheric river barrels toward California, residents brace for the threat of engorged rivers and overtopped reservoirs.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 9, 2023

Iron spikes were set along the tops of formidable stone walls, and two fat round towers overtopped the keep.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

The smaller debris basins are prone to overtopping.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 24, 2025

Rivers and streams could swell, overtopping their banks and flooding the neighborhoods surrounding them.

From New York Times Feb. 5, 2024

But once built, you don’t want water coming through your roof, your siding or your windows — or overtopping your foundation or slab.

From Seattle Times Dec. 4, 2023

"We don't know what is likely to happen in terms of that overtopping," she told reporters in a briefing.

From BBC Oct. 19, 2023

The waves rose in growing fury, each overtopping its fellow, till in a very few minutes the lately glassy sea was like a roaring and devouring monster.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker




Vocabulary lists containing overtop


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