overtop
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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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
Officials say the Merced River could reach 12.6 feet by mid-week and overtop Pohono Bridge, an iconic stone crossing in Yosemite Valley.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2023
If the rivers overtop their banks, water can inundate the plot safely, reducing flood risk downriver.
From New York Times ● Jan. 5, 2023
Although it’s unclear if another derecho will form on Wednesday, strong to severe thunderstorm are again forecast to erupt overtop the heat dome along a corridor from the northern Rockies to the Mid-Atlantic.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 6, 2022
A small fire with a metal grate slid overtop where they were cooking beans in a tin pot.
From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline
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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
And many areas kept dry by canals or higher topography would experience flooding as saltwater overtops barriers.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 9, 2022
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
And of the instincts, that of self-preservation easily overtops all others.
From The Real Man by Francis Lynde
Defences built five years ago were already being overtopped by floods, she said.
From BBC ● Dec. 9, 2025
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
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
At that moment, Zeitoun knew that the levees had been overtopped or compromised.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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The smaller debris basins are prone to overtopping.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 24, 2025
Aberdeenshire Council said it was closing off the area and the nearby harbour on police advice, external "due to the risk of overtopping waves".
From BBC ● Feb. 10, 2024
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
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
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