Synonym Chooser

How does the noun elevation contrast with its synonyms?

The words altitude and height are common synonyms of elevation. 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 can height be used instead of elevation?

The words height and elevation can be used in similar contexts, but height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low.

a wall two meters in height

Examples of elevation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As for its comfort level, the chair is made to help relieve spinal pressure and fatigue with a 103 degree elevation, according to the brand. Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2024 There are several mountain biking trails that zig and zag up tight, dusty paths and through thickly wooded forest, and others that are perfect for more intermediate riders with only slight elevation gains. Meira Gebel, Axios, 10 Oct. 2024 The Bronx and Yonkers supplied hills and elevation, essential for creating the sense of Crown Point as a low-lying area that would suffer the most extreme flooding. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2024 The women’s course is adjacent to the men’s and starts at a slightly lower elevation. Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elevation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elevation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near elevation

Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on elevation

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