top-down
adjective
1
: controlled, directed, or instituted from the top level
a top-down corporate structure
2
: proceeding by breaking large general aspects (as of a problem) into smaller more detailed constituents : working from the general to the specific
top-down programming
top-down design
Examples of top-down in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This approach proved far more effective than traditional rollouts, especially for new the new generation of employees who crave participation and co-creation over top-down innovation.
—
Paul Hudson, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
These tools didn't enter through a top-down deployment plan.
—Joseph Freed, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, Campbell said, science should lead the way, not top-down dicta that tie scientists’ hands.
—Mustafa Fattah, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025
Given this, Agyekum doesn't see culture war issues as the reason for Democratic losses but instead blames the party's top-down organizing strategy.
—Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top-down
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Paul Hudson, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025
These tools didn't enter through a top-down deployment plan.
—Joseph Freed, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Ultimately, Campbell said, science should lead the way, not top-down dicta that tie scientists’ hands.
—Mustafa Fattah, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025
Given this, Agyekum doesn't see culture war issues as the reason for Democratic losses but instead blames the party's top-down organizing strategy.
—Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top-down
Cite this Entry
“Top-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top-down. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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