Definition of loftynext
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as in tall
extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lofty contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and tall are common synonyms of lofty. While all three words mean "above the average in height," lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might high be a better fit than lofty?

The meanings of high and lofty largely overlap; however, 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

When can tall be used instead of lofty?

Although the words tall and lofty have much in common, 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 lofty Batting cleanup, Forystek has maintained that lofty level, going 6-for-11 with five RBIs and four runs scored in the past three games. Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 Put simply, an investment in SpaceX is either a vote of confidence in Musk’s lofty vision of the distant future — or a risky get-rich-quick scheme. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 18 June 2026 First, Jaskiewicz has lofty goals for herself and the team. Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026 But as OpenAI and Anthropic also make their public debuts and swallow oxygen from the capital markets, investors will weigh SpaceX’s version of the future versus the other companies’ lofty goals. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • She was described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2026
  • In fact, no building in the entire town can be built over four stories tall.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The passage is incoherent, yet, in conflating progressive reform with arrogant blind faith, it is perfectly suited to Vance’s cynical conservatism.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 19 June 2026
  • To no one’s surprise, Bonnie is immediately transfixed by her Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee, whose arrogant smarm effectively threads the needle between Maya Hawke’s Anxiety and Regina George’s everything else).
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Mamdani, proud of his socialist values, had developed a language for communicating a collective, interdependent vision of city life through his consistent emphasis on affordability.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • This is also where the film dips into the past and becomes awash in the proud history of Hawaiian surfing, bowing at the legend of the great Duke Kahanamoku and going deep into others and how the sport became such a religion for many, notably devotee Kristen.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Baelor Targaryen Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) — often called Baelor Breakspear — is a noble and widely respected Targaryen prince known for his honor, leadership and skill in battle.
    Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • Unknown is whether the current Flora Macdonald Johnston is descended from her ferociously patriotic namesake – pictured above is the 1749 Allan Ramsay portrait of the noble Scotswoman that hangs in Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • But the First Amendment is more than a few eloquent phrases about free speech, and its principles are far from historical relics.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • The documentary, which lands in theaters this weekend, creates a time capsule of videos, memories and eloquent observations that add up to work of incredible beauty and heartache.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Beren has achived high ratings from customers since moving into a stylish dining room that was formerly a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • When nutrient levels are high, feasting algae can quickly reproduce.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Food Processor quickly chops, slices, and shreds a wide array of ingredients for unlimited culinary creations, while the Coffee & Spice Grinder efficiently grinds coffee beans, spices, and herbs for superior flavor and potency.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • In both of their victories thus far at the 2026 World Cup, the Americans have been, by far, the superior all-around team.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The tornadoes that do form in the higher risk area could become intense — EF3 strength or greater — and might also travel long distances.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • Most hotels sit behind the main road, often thronged with tourists and traffic noise, but the Regent Shanghai on the Bund gives guests great views without the fuss.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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