peak 1 of 2

noun

ˈpēk How to pronounce peak (audio)
Definition of peaknext
1
as in mountain
an elevation of land higher than a hill the nearest peak worth climbing is hundreds of miles away

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pinnacle
the highest part or point a pop singer at the peak of her career

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brim
the projecting front part of a hat or cap accidentally stepped on the hat and crushed the peak

Synonyms & Similar Words

peak

2 of 2

verb

as in to surge

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun peak differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of peak are acme, apex, climax, culmination, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When could acme be used to replace peak?

Although the words acme and peak have much in common, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would apex be a reasonable alternative to peak?

The words apex and peak can be used in similar contexts, but apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When might climax be a better fit than peak?

While in some cases nearly identical to peak, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When is culmination a more appropriate choice than peak?

While the synonyms culmination and peak are close in meaning, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When is it sensible to use pinnacle instead of peak?

The words pinnacle and peak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

In what contexts can summit take the place of peak?

In some situations, the words summit and peak are roughly equivalent. However, summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

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 peak
Noun
In the past, the anniversary edition — which is counted separately from the standard Gold — has peaked at No. 8 on the downloads list. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 The sturgeon moon will peak in the early morning hours at 3:55 a.m. Aug. 9, 2025. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
The peak flow in the Qingshui River running through Miyun was dramatically higher than normal, Xinhua reported as evidence of the strength of the flooding. —Escher Walcott, People.com, 30 July 2025 The new and expanded service adds more top destinations and more service during peak travel periods, Sophia Philis-Ortiz, American's vice president of operations at Sky Harbor, said in a statement. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for peak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peak
  1. mountain
  2. pinnacle
  3. brim
  4. surge
  5. zenith
  6. increase
  7. height
  8. crest
Noun
  • Held from June 26 to June 29, hikers travel about 1,500 feet up the mountain, enough times to mimic the height of Mount Everest, which is located between China and Nepal.
    — Nicholas Rice, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • New York — President Donald Trump has promised to unleash an economic boom that will turbocharge growth, fatten paychecks and chip away at America’s mountain of debt.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
Definition of mountain
Noun
  • If the war in Vietnam marked the pinnacle of war journalism, and AP had a legendary perch in that war, much of it was due to Faas.
    — Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The world tells of success as such a wonderful story, the pinnacle of happiness.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 30 July 2025
Definition of pinnacle
Noun
  • When outdoors, stick to shady areas, wear a hat with a wide brim and avoid being out during the peak afternoon heat.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2025
  • The hat also comes with a fairly large brim, at least for a running hat, which helps keep my rather large nose from getting completely cooked on long days out.
    — Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 18 June 2025
Definition of brim
Verb
  • Kohl's stock surged to nearly $20 per share before falling back down, demonstrating the volatility driven by short selling and speculation.
    — Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • ServiceNow — Shares surged nearly 8% after the software stock hiked its full-year guidance for subscription revenue after beating Wall Street expectations for the second quarter.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Definition of surge
Noun
  • Not even the imaginary zenith of human civilization can overpower nature forever.
    — Devan Coggan, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Some shows in the U.S. later in the year might be about the zenith of anything that anybody ever imagined really.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
Definition of zenith
Verb
  • Decades of research and studies in agriculture have increased production across all crops in the U.S., said James, and cannabis can adopt those same technologies.
    — Julie Weed, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The top reason students opt not to pursue higher education is cost, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board states, though having a degree can drastically increase earnings.
    — Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of increase
Noun
  • Residents can check wave height predictions by viewing the NWS Great Lakes Portal, which updates wave heights, wind gusts and air temperature forecasts.
    — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
  • Early warning signs of osteoporosis include low bone density, bone fractures, lost height, a curved upper back, sudden back pain, gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, and a fracture while pregnant.
    — Marissa Sansone, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025
Definition of height
Verb
  • Riders earn points for cresting climbs in a top position and the higher the climb, the more points available at the top.
    — Sophie Kaufman, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Flood warnings have also been issued for the areas of Camp Wood, Barksdale and Vance. Evacuation orders were issued in Uvalde County as the Frio River is expected to crest 16 feet above normal, according to CBS affiliate KENS.
    — Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of crest

Browse Nearby Words

peachy keen
peak
peaked
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Cite this Entry

“Peak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peak. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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