pinnacle

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pinnacle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pinnacle are acme, apex, climax, culmination, peak, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

Where would acme be a reasonable alternative to pinnacle?

Although the words acme and pinnacle have much in common, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

When is it sensible to use apex instead of pinnacle?

The meanings of apex and pinnacle largely overlap; however, apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When could climax be used to replace pinnacle?

The words climax and pinnacle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When is culmination a more appropriate choice than pinnacle?

In some situations, the words culmination and pinnacle are roughly equivalent. However, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When might peak be a better fit than pinnacle?

While the synonyms peak and pinnacle are close in meaning, peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When can summit be used instead of pinnacle?

The words summit and pinnacle can be used in similar contexts, but 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 pinnacle There’s just something about looking at the routines of people who have reached the pinnacle of success without crashing and burning along the journey. Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 That isn’t a problem, though, because true Mario Kart elitists understand that the first game in the series, Super Mario Kart, remains Nintendo’s pinnacle. Luke Winkie, Vulture, 18 June 2025 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 Whether your passion is for Oregon’s superlative Pinot noir or California’s world-class Bordeaux blends, these wines are truly at the pinnacle of American winemaking. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinnacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinnacle
Noun
  • The relationship embodies the zenith of the client-advisor dynamic, one that extends beyond the scope and term of a contract or the legacy boundaries of functional expertise.
    Mark A. Cohen, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • For such a humanist filmmaker, Boyle reached his zenith by pondering us at our lowest point.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The first came in the top of the fourth when Buehler walked Josh Lowe and served up a two-run home run to Ha-Seong Kim, his first of the season to put the Rays ahead 2-1.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 July 2025
  • The bra’s clever design features a full-coverage scoop-neck, thick straps, and a low back that can be worn under different types of tops.
    Alyssa Brascia, People.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • High upon the peak of an old, weathered cabin perched a brown and white billy goat.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.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
Noun
  • Receiving this honorary Oscar is the culmination of a dream.
    Jon Burlingame, Variety, 26 June 2025
  • For Jake, who played basketball at Washington University from 2021 to 2023, draft night was a culmination of the family’s dream: older brother Josh also played college ball at Lehigh University.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 26 June 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
  • The deadly apex aliens have finally revealed themselves, rapidly spreading their deadly spikes across the planet.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 5 July 2025
  • The apex of sweet wine from Sicily can be found in a glass of Donnafuguta Ben Ryé Passito di Pantelleria.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pinnacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinnacle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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