lofty

adjective

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\ ˈlȯf-tē

loftier; loftiest

Definition of lofty

1a : elevated in character and spirit : noble lofty ideals

b : elevated in status : superior the less lofty customers of the bar

2 : having a haughty overbearing manner : supercilious She showed a lofty disregard for their objections.

3a : rising to a great height : impressively high lofty mountains

b : remote, esoteric basic precepts are not lofty abstractions far removed from matters of daily living— D. D. Eisenhower

4 : having full-bodied, firm, and resilient textile fibers lofty flannel

Other Words from lofty Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about lofty

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Synonyms & Antonyms for lofty

Synonyms

Antonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for lofty

high, tall, lofty mean above the average in height. 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 tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness. a tall thin man lofty suggests great or imposing altitude. lofty mountain peaks

Examples of lofty in a Sentence

He set lofty goals for himself as a teacher. She showed a lofty disregard for their objections.

Recent Examples on the Web Dole Asia will initially provide $2 million a year to support innovative solutions to achieve its lofty goals. — Robin D. Schatz, Forbes, "How Dole Asia’s New $2 Million-A-Year Fund Is Seeking Solutions To End Malnutrition, Promote Sustainability," 26 Feb. 2021 But Pinsky said the department’s lofty goals don’t mesh with the governor’s record on transportation. — Christine Condon, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland releases plan to hit 50% greenhouse gas reduction by 2030, General Assembly to consider 60%," 26 Feb. 2021 In order for a team to reach its potential — and the Fuel have lofty goals of competing for an OWL championship — each individual must have a solid foundation. — Sean Collins, Dallas News, "‘I do believe they will hold sturdy’: Why Dallas Fuel, ‘Yong’ aren’t backing down from lofty OWL goals," 28 Jan. 2021 Environmental groups hoped for reforms that would bring the policy in line with the Green Deal’s lofty goals, many of which are nonbinding and underfunded. — Lena Mucha, Environment, "A grassroots push to save disappearing birds and bees forces change in Germany," 3 Dec. 2020 Biden spoke with lofty rhetoric about light versus darkness, and troubled times versus opportunity. — Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, "Joe Biden's acceptance speech: Michigan political experts weigh in," 22 Aug. 2020 This week’s White House Report Card finds President Biden ready to move forward without Republican support on his $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid, a decision that essentially ends his once-lofty goal of unity on policy. — Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner, "White House Report Card: Biden tough on virus aid, soft on immigration," 13 Feb. 2021 But Republicans criticized the clarifications as backpedaling on administration’s lofty opening promise. — Erica L. Green, BostonGlobe.com, "Biden trims ambitions on school reopening pledge," 12 Feb. 2021 The automaker is going to need every penny and more for years to come to meet its lofty ambition of an all-electric model lineup in about 15 years. — New York Times, "G.M.’s Profits From Trucks and S.U.V.s Fuel Its Electric Quest," 10 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lofty.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.