vertical

adjective

ˈvər-ti-kəl How to pronounce vertical (audio)
Definition of verticalnext
as in standing
rising straight up a vertical cliff face

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vertical differ from other similar words?

The words perpendicular and plumb are common synonyms of vertical. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

When could perpendicular be used to replace vertical?

The words perpendicular and vertical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one.

the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

When is it sensible to use plumb instead of vertical?

While the synonyms plumb and vertical are close in meaning, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

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 vertical Also, consider going horizontal instead of vertical to capture a wider image. —Kelvin Chan, Denver Post, 2 June 2025 Currently, the space launch sector is pretty much a vertical affair. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 June 2025 If there are grid lines on your windows, Weidenbaum recommends going with the horizontal line that lands closest to the vertical halfway point. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025 Ateliers Horizons has dabbled in sound before, developing a first jukebox in 2019, as well as a boombox housing a vertical turntable. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vertical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical
  1. standing
  2. perpendicular
  3. erect
  4. upright
Adjective
  • And Hobson's longtime friend Howard Schultz also earned standing ovations from store managers.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 15 June 2025
  • The current standing size of the Germany army is just 181,000.
    — Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
Definition of standing
Adjective
  • The simulations revealed that the former increases the likelihood of a collision, but this is countered by the fact that the LMC's orbit runs perpendicular to the Milky Way/Andromeda orbit.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025
  • Each held a slender iron rod perpendicular to the wood.
    — Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
Definition of perpendicular
Adjective
  • Plants add stunning texture and shining color to the garden with metallic, lavender-blue bracts surrounding flowers that stand erect on purple stems.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
  • Carlin said, as soldiers need to guide their horses while keeping erect posture.
    — Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Definition of erect
Adjective
  • Core Muscles Walking also engages your core muscles, which help keep you upright and stabilize your trunk.
    — Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
  • Staking peonies with peony cages offers the plant support and keeps it upright even through the elements.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2025
Definition of upright

Browse Nearby Words

vertex
vertical
vertices
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vertical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertical. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of vertical for Spanish Speakers

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