1
as in tall
extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she acts all lofty and superior just because she went to an Ivy League college

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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 The Spa Even amid the Middle East’s lofty spa standards, Neyrah Spa is impressive. Hazel Plush, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025 The Giants are proud to be represented by Webb for the second consecutive season, putting him in a lofty class of perennial players. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 7 July 2025 At that time, the administration set a lofty goal of reaching 90 trade deals in 90 days. Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Twin Cities, 7 July 2025 But, in the long run, tariffs probably can’t achieve all of his lofty goals at the same time. David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • And yes, the ceilings are quite tall and spacious, avoiding the cramped loft designs of other tiny homes.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • In 2022, Ackles joined the cast of Prime Video's The Boys as arrogant superhero Soldier Boy.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 4 July 2025
  • Her larger-than-life ego and past as a shaman make Player 044 come off as arrogant and selfish, getting under just about everyone's skin.
    EW.com, EW.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Local entrepreneur and proud Macedonian Gordana Traycoff will lead the discussion with an evening of storytelling and cultural discovery.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Old Fitzgerald, the once proud brand with a century-long legacy, was tossed into the Bernheim sale like an extra trading card between kids to sweeten the deal, not to headline it.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Royal titles are reserved for those born into or marrying into the family, while dukedoms and other noble titles are passed down through a family or granted by the reigning monarch.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 6 July 2025
  • He’s covered in sweat and using a scrap of cardboard as a fan—not for himself, but for the tides of people who pass him, in a noble effort to keep them cool.
    Richard Collett, Saveur, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • Also: surely there are more eloquent ways to inform the reader that your story is set in May, 1846.
    Judy Berman, Time, 11 July 2025
  • Pairing the dress with Alexis Bittar jewelry led to an eloquent ensemble.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Net profit slumped 11% in 2024 to 2.3 billion baht ($71 million) while revenue stagnated at 33 billion baht amid weak consumer spending and higher costs related to distribution, staffing and store openings.
    Gloria Haraito, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Key stat Muncy tied his career high with seven RBIs.
    Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Santa Monica was a town in flux when Miller was in high school at the turn of the millennium: a Berkeley meets Beverly Hills where haughty affluence was rapidly eclipsing the Birkenstocks and counterculture bumper stickers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
  • This information doesn’t make the prospect of leaving her home painless, but Ruth approaches it with a haughty dignity that soon becomes familiar.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is a great NBA Summer League matchup; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • This is a great day to schmooze with friends and members of groups and organizations.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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