Definition of elevationnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun elevation contrast with its synonyms?

The words altitude and height are common synonyms of elevation. While all three words mean "vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it," altitude and elevation apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; altitude is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; elevation is used especially in reference to vertical height on land.

fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters
Denver is a city with a high elevation

When can height be used instead of elevation?

The words height and elevation can be used in similar contexts, but height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low.

a wall two meters in height

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of elevation With a 580-foot change in elevation, this trail is considered moderate in difficulty—wear sturdy hiking shoes, and skip it if the ground is wet or icy. Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 16 May 2026 Up close, the vast expanse of the human skin resembles an unknown landscape, maybe similar to the lunar terrain, with craters and elevations in the form of minuscule blemishes, hairs, and cutaneous eruptions. Carlos Aguilar, IndieWire, 15 May 2026 Mayor Brandon Johnson’s visit will be the first time a pope has hosted a Chicago mayor in over a decade, since Pope Francis held a 2016 ceremony attended by Mayor Rahm Emanuel for the elevation of Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich to cardinal. Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026 All Kiké Hernández knew about Albuquerque — the home of the triple-A Isotopes — was the city’s elevation. Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • The promotions in the NHL arena that viewers see on TV may not actually exist in person.
    Luke Connors, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • As of May 18, this promotion allows budget-conscious shoppers to lock in nationwide cellular access on a reliable network for the equivalent of just $10 a month during their first quarter.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The Hippie Tree — a giant eucalyptus perched at the top of a dusty hill — is a quick jaunt from downtown.
    Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
  • Craving rolling hills, olive groves, and a glass of Chianti at dusk?
    Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The former couple produced and starred in the film, which was made at the height of the COVID pandemic.
    Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • In seasons 14 and 15, the PAW Patrol is on a roll with adventures that take the pups from the prehistoric wilds of Dinosaur Island to the rock-climbing heights of Rescue Mountain.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Friday’s 244km (151 miles) day was the longest Grand Tour stage in five years, featuring 4,467 metres of climbing — no Grand Tour stage over 240km since 2000 had featured more ascent.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • The film tracks Lean’s remarkable progress to the peak of the medium – an extremely unlikely ascent for multiple reasons.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Cooking utensils and small mounds of clothes are kept in plastic bags or heaped on the ground.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
  • Kankakee Community College commit Landon Ehman finished 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Mason Almazan allowed one run over the final two innings to earn the victory on the mound.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • This is no surprise, as the Andes are a high-altitude range and Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which is heading toward winter as those of us in the Northern Hemisphere prepare for summer sun.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 20 May 2026
  • Ultimately, altitude training is beneficial, but having players such as James Norris Memorial Trophy–winning defenseman Cale Makar is perhaps even better.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
  • While future research is needed to further validate this emerging method, the authors have contributed to advancements in how this science is conducted, innovating research methods that will help scholars study the past with greater accuracy.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • An hour north of New York City, the Hudson Valley has turned into one of the country’s most compelling beer regions with farms, river towns, mountain backdrops, and a concentration of serious breweries that keeps growing.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon before a colder storm system brings widespread rain, mountain snow and a major drop in temperatures by Monday.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 16 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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