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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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 Skeptics who did not attend the victory party worry that the deregulatory policies California YIMBY is pushing for won’t lead to that and other lofty changes. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025 Much has been said about Bella's plain-Jane persona, but Stewart's earnest performance vivifies the character with a plucky yet lovesick duality that also grounds the film's lofty fantasy sequences. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025 Do the whiskies live up to those lofty aspirations? Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2025 That’s lofty compared to many other US trading partners but still more in line with the rest of the world. David Goldman, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • In the 59th minute, there was the familiar experience of a taller, stronger player (Andy Irving) trying to take a chunk out of him.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Melodee Buzzard is described by police as being around 4 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 60 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The pilot opens with Powell’s character, arrogant college quarterback Russ Holliday, leading his Oregon Ducks team in the National Championship game against Georgia at the Rose Bowl.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are certainly some top-notch barbecue restaurants that made the cut, but the Michelin selection barely scratches the surface of the South’s long, proud barbecue tradition.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • What’s left now is a proud elite program trying to scrape its way into bowl season.
    D’Joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Such structures, including residences and fortresses, were created by religious authorities and noble families, according to the city’s tourism website.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Creature survives, becomes smarter and even eloquent, and vengefully chases Frankenstein all the way to the Arctic.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Kidman was eloquent and warm, leavening her more introspective thoughts with a twinkly laugh.
    Wendell Steavenson, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some American customers are also shunning Starbucks for its relatively high prices, compared to McDonald’s and other less expensive chains like Dunkin’.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In its most recent quarter, Grab reported revenue of $873 million, 22% higher than the same period the year before.
    Angelica Ang, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And when daily wear and tear was simulated – through continuous electric-toothbrush abrasion equivalent to about a year of brushing, as well as chewing and grinding – the teeth actually had superior resistance to wear, fracture and acid attack compared with natural enamel.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Instead of settling for 3-pointers, Boozer took the ball hard to the basket in the second half while a Duke team with obviously superior talent to Texas got untracked.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • WeRide is a member of this year’s Future 50, Fortune’s annual ranking of companies with the greatest potential for growth.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • After looking over the latest update from Jim Bowden, the odds of Bregman staying with the Red Sox are not looking too great currently.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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