Synonym Chooser

How does the noun apex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of apex are acme, climax, culmination, peak, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When might acme be a better fit than apex?

While the synonyms acme and apex are close in meaning, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would climax be a reasonable alternative to apex?

In some situations, the words climax and apex are roughly equivalent. However, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When could culmination be used to replace apex?

The meanings of culmination and apex largely overlap; however, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When is peak a more appropriate choice than apex?

The words peak and apex can be used in similar contexts, but peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

In what contexts can pinnacle take the place of apex?

The synonyms pinnacle and apex are sometimes interchangeable, but pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

When would summit be a good substitute for apex?

The words summit and apex are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 apex The track also featured a rumble strip on the left for Turn 14, and the apex of Turn 15 was a bit elongated, both of which should help drivers navigate the section. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 May 2025 These special flagships are at the apex of its retail strategy and network of 364 points of sale. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 18 June 2025 Trusted advisors are the apex of the professional class. Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 The Mercedes driver got ahead and was braking at the entry of Turn 5 when Verstappen accelerated before the two collided at the apex. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for apex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apex
Noun
  • As far back as a decade ago, when Villeneuve was on the promotion trail for Sicario, the Canadian said that action is art — and Bond is the very pinnacle of the genre.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Todd Golden’s Gators reached their sport’s pinnacle with their 65-63 win in the national title game on April 7 against Houston.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • This advisory is in effect until Thursday at 7 p.m. Protect yourself during a heat wave with these tips from the NWS Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of fluids.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025
  • For a luxury twist, its Southern Sweets and Good Day Blunts come hand-rolled with glass tips.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • For such a humanist filmmaker, Boyle reached his zenith by pondering us at our lowest point.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • The band had reached its zenith, with Beatlemania-size crowds greeting them in Australia and Canada, and significant success cracking the American market.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • The New Zealand team Auckland City began the Club World Cup as the tournament’s fall guys, losing 10-0 against the German champions Bayern Munich, but by the end of the group stage, the semi-professional outfit earned respect by holding Boca Juniors to a draw.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • That legislation collapsed when then-Sen. John McCain famously cast a thumbs-down vote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is determined to avoid that outcome, sticking to the schedule and pressing ahead with voting expected by the end of the week.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • Sitting at the top are Manchester City, the only club to exceed $50m so far.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Danielle Scott, a legally blind Afro-Cuban, Polish-Jewish, and Asian mixed-media artist at the cusp of international fame, risks her own well-being by exposing herself to the intergenerational trauma of the Atlantic Slave Trade.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2025
  • That journey, which has already seen the top pick of the 2021 draft endure a major injury and historic losing, earn an All-Star bid and lift the Detroit Pistons back to the playoffs, led him to the cusp of his defining moment.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The river reached its second-highest height on record, surpassing a 1987 flood level, according to the National Weather Service.
    Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • Chambray may be a humble fabric, but 100 Hands has elevated it to new heights with its Iced Washed Japanese Chambray Shirt.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • From the peaks of the Southern Alps to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the country offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern living.
    Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • Halfway through 2025, reported cases have already surpassed 1,274 − the peak for all of 2019.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apex. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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