high-water mark

noun

Definition of high-water marknext
as in pinnacle
the highest part or point he hit the high-water mark of his acting career when he played Tiny Tim in a school play

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 high-water mark How San Francisco settles the debate could reverberate throughout the reparations movement, setting a high-water mark for an effort that has been criticized for, so far, producing small sums. — Emmanuel Felton, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2023 The Weeknd reached a new high-water mark on Spotify this week. — Glenn Rowley, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2023 This year’s crop of competitors is a far cry from recent years when the starting roster has approached triple digits, hitting a high-water mark of 96 mushers in 2008 (though a more modest number, 78, crossed the finish line). — Zachariah Hughes, Anchorage Daily News, 22 Feb. 2023 In Paso Robles, dozens of makeshift encampments sprang up along roadways, above the Salinas’ high-water mark. — Jeremy Miller, WIRED, 18 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for high-water mark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high-water mark
  1. pinnacle
  2. top
  3. zenith
  4. height
  5. culmination
  6. peak
  7. apex
Noun
  • Since the start of his career, Bryan has had 26 songs scale the pinnacle of Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart.
    — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The Latino political firsts kept coming over the next 20 years, now reaching a pinnacle with Becerra’s win.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of pinnacle
Noun
  • With its tender texture, it can be used as a base for salads, added to pasta, sprinkled over top of a pizza, or turned into pesto.
    — Molly Allen, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The black-and-white palette is easy to match with fall tops, including sweaters and T-shirts.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of top
Noun
  • Two years later — Cook’s commercial zenith — Darryl was making deposits as flagrant as $780,000 and $995,000.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But keeping a brand vibrant and relevant, IRL storytelling and experiences have become more and more elaborate, reaching a zenith with the Prada Galleria complex the brand unveiled during Milan Fashion Week last September.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of zenith
Noun
  • Indeed, sea levels reached record heights — not seen in more than a century of observations.
    — Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • All clouds at heights where temperatures dip below freezing have the potential to create icing conditions, according to the FAA.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of height
Noun
  • In Wisconsin, Crowley, a moderate Democrat, defeated Republican challenger Tom Tiffany in the culmination of a governor's race that played out in one of the country's most purple states.
    — News Editor, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Spencer characterized the Stevens-Rogers appearance as the culmination of an increasingly personal dispute rather than a substantive disagreement over policy.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of culmination
Noun
  • Mount Taishan is the tallest peak in the province, and while there are several routes for hikers, some more challenging than others, and the longest climb features more than 7,000 steps.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • At its peak, the track is crunchier and more punishing than anything she’s put out before.
    — James Gui, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of peak
Noun
  • Slavich’s footage shows the apex predator pulling within a couple of feet of the kayak.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Justin Jefferson somehow separated enough from the triple coverage that converged at the apex of his route, leaped to snag the ball with both hands, tapped both feet on the turf, and tumbled backward to put the Vikings in front.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of apex

Browse Nearby Words

high-voltage
high-water mark
high-water marks
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Cite this Entry

“High-water mark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high-water%20mark. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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