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as in elevation
the distance of something or someone from bottom to top the altitude of the highest mountain in the U.S. is only about two thirds that of the highest mountain in the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun altitude contrast with its synonyms?

The words elevation and height are common synonyms of altitude. 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 is height a more appropriate choice than altitude?

In some situations, the words height and altitude are roughly equivalent. However, 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 altitude This sets him apart from most of the other bettors at his altitude, of which there are a few dozen, who visit from out of town on occasion and gamble for marathon stretches. Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025 The plane lifted off and gained enough altitude to clear a fence at the end of the runway, according to NTSB board member Todd Inman during a Wednesday news conference. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025 At this altitude, orbital speed matches our planet's rotational speed. Mike Wall, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Project Loon was going to use high-altitude balloons to deliver internet connection to remote areas of the world. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for altitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altitude
Noun
  • Up to 2 feet at the higher elevations.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Higher elevations from West Virginia through the border of North Carolina and Tennessee can expect accumulating snow.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Another video filmed by a Palestinian resident shows the settlers coming down a hill toward the Bedouin village.
    Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • After tumbling from a 50-foot height, Dan Aykroyd walked away convinced that a higher power had caught him.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Their mom, Alyssa Crawford, shared two images of herself with her daughter Violet, with text alluding to the 4-year-old’s height being smaller than her peers.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Altitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altitude. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.

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