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as in tall
extending to a great distance upward as the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest is mountaineering's holy grail

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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high

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noun

high

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective high contrast with its synonyms?

The words lofty and tall are common synonyms of high. While all three words mean "above the average in height," high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level.

a high hill
a high ceiling

In what contexts can lofty take the place of high?

Although the words lofty and high have much in common, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might tall be a better fit than high?

The words tall and high can be used in similar contexts, but tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

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 high
Adjective
The study also found that nearly half the respondents — highest on record — had diverted investments planned for China to other regions, primarily Southeast Asia. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025 In high-stakes environments, that hesitation is costly. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
The Beats Solo 4 are straightforward headphones that provide strong bass, crisp highs, and a signature sound that’s lively without being overwhelming. PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 Michigan's summer weather will continue this week — and into the weekend — with 80-degrees highs across much of Michigan. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
The stock market raced to another record high this week after the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate, but some stocks may have risen too high, too fast. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025 In particular, the high-paying professional and business services sector (legal, scientific, waste management, architectural) shed 1,500 jobs. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for high
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high
Adjective
  • The same can’t quite be said to the rear seat area due to the sportback sloping roof, though headroom is only really maxed out for folks over six-feet tall (like yours truly), otherwise shoulder and leg room are surprisingly good.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The Prep defense also stood tall in holding down the Raiders’ talented quarterback Caden Smith and tailback Caden Chase until the game was well out of reach.
    Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, there are those who argue that semiannual earnings reports may put increased pressure on management to provide smaller, more frequent updates to keep investors up to date.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Its studies showed no increased risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse events.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The coming week will bring the latest personal consumption expenditures price index — the Fed's preferred inflation measure — which is expected to show elevated pricing pressures.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2025
  • This elevated riff on classic potato salad will be the talk of your next potluck.
    Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Make people mad, say something racist, interview a drunk girl outside a Chili’s about anal.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Here’s a guy who’s just married, on his honeymoon, drunk off his ass, and being given the steering wheel to a plane with 400 people behind him.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow’s e-mail newsletter turned e-commerce platform, monetized an all-natural life style, promoting raw-goat-milk cleanses and expensive organic cosmetics.
    Clare Malone, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Drone dilemma The US excels at building large, expensive weaponry, but most American soldiers lack the know-how for fighting with unmanned systems.
    Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Another great addition is live captions and translation.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Praise feels great, ridicule or people not liking it doesn't.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In a year when many top quarterbacks thus far have failed to meet expectations, Mendoza has played as well as anyone.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Microsoft, Meta, Apple and Google had over 4,000 such visas each, among the top 10 recipients for the fiscal year 2025.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • When at ports, the crew does everything from deck tours and day sails to maintenance, such as fixing a stove, sewing a ripped sail or doing laundry.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • The end of the footage shows a man in a ripped shirt trying to leave before being punched in the face by a woman.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“High.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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