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

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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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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 Now, inspired by The White Lotus and the ever-burgeoning importance of well-being in society’s collective consciousness, Four Seasons has launched a new itinerary for its loftiest, most exclusive offering: the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience. Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 18 June 2025 Drew Rasmussen got the win, though by his lofty standards, had somewhat of an off-day, allowing a season-high-matching four runs, including two homers, over five innings. Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025 Because in the last 25 years, the BET Awards show has lived up to that lofty tag line while, in turn, cementing the show’s venerable legacy. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 9 June 2025 Her brand at the time was something like the Obama of the antipodes: a liberal media darling, icon of the global anti-Trump resistance, transitioning smoothly from lofty oratory to easygoing relatability. Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • Her presence on the floor presents as another tall obstacle for opposing teams to deal with.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • The protests proved conclusively that Americans will not tolerate the deployment of the U.S. military in American cities, the constant line-stepping over constitutional boundaries, the arrests of political dissenters, or the arrogant defense of police-state tactics.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • In Aesop’s fable, the turtle (traditionally called a tortoise, which is a type of turtle) is a winner, a perpetual underdog who defeats the arrogant hare.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • But while Boyle is proud of his influence on the zombie film landscape, he’s mostly abstained from watching any of those movies himself.
    Jake Kleinman, Wired News, 20 June 2025
  • Congratulations to the Ninth Circuit, America is proud of you tonight!
    Martha McHardy Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Henckel von Donnersmarck tiara, $12.7 Million The Henckel von Donnersmarck tiara was previously part of the collection of Princess Katherina Henckel von Donnersmarck, a member of Germany’s noble family.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
  • Even Lucy’s favorite customer, Sophie (Zoe Winters), isn’t that noble.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mark Twain’s Paris This is an eloquent description of a severe addiction.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025
  • The Convergence Of Artificial And Human Illusions The parallel between AI's eloquent emptiness and our bias toward confident communication reveals something profound about the nature of intelligence itself.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Key stat Muncy tied his career high with seven RBIs.
    Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Daily high temperatures are forecast to be well into the 90s, with overnight temperatures dropping only into the mid-70s from the Great Lakes to the East Coast.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Napoleon, the pig who takes despotic control of the farm following the revolution — voiced with haughty gusto by Seth Rogen — bears an uncanny resemblance to the current occupant of the White House.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2025
  • Back to all the reasonably expressed horror about Trump expressed in haughty fashion, why all the parallel quietude about the Federal Reserve?
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • No putt was more important than his 20-foot par putt up the ridge on No. 9 to finish off a great round the right way.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
  • An explosive, quick mauler with great movement skills, Fautanu has the goods to be a standout protector with run-blocking upside at multiple positions.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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