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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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 Despite the lofty architectural resume, the space is warm and welcoming. Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025 Despite its troubled history — and lofty price tag — some high-end property experts assure Rambling that the place eventually will find a buyer. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025 The primary suite on the second floor is pretty lofty, with its own fireplace and a view of some towering trees. Tj MacIas 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025 But William and Kate seem quite determined to make Forest Lodge their home, even if that comes at a lofty price. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Included in the sale is the Meridian Carry-on, which measures 14 inches wide and 22 inches tall, wheels included.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These early years emphasized goofiness, offensiveness, and mocking arrogant celebrities who pushed their platforms at award shows.
    Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The announcement was made during a backstage segment involving NXT General Manager Ava and the arrogant superstar Lexis King.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Erica Mosca is a proud first-generation college graduate who is a former teacher, former nonprofit founder and executive director, and small business owner who is the first Filipina to serve in the Nevada State Legislature representing District 14.
    Erica Mosca, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The academy noted that Greene was proud to have played roles that weren't related to his background.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The affection Agnes holds for her children and the anger aimed at her husband, not to mention a world cruel enough to rob her of a child, are both tuned with precision to crack your noble heart.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
  • For the Estarházy’s have been the preeminent Hungarian noble family, with origins in the Middle Ages and the greatest landowners, since long before 1776 was even a notion in the mind of Thomas Jefferson.
    Louis J. Esterhazy, Footwear News, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For Macdonald, this most eloquent of memoirs emerged from the death of her father, photographer Alisdair MacDonald, aka Ali Mac.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
  • This article also delved into networked projects, such as Andreas Raus’ eloquent and multifaceted Symphony for n Metronomes, released in partnership with Fakewhale Gallery, the platform’s equally dynamic curatorial branch.
    Ana María Caballero, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the AmCham Shanghai survey found 14% of the respondents reported the environment for foreign businesses in China was worsening, with the tech sector seeing the highest challenges at 31% of industry respondents.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyier Anei is Ada, a newbie model from South Sudan by way of Kenya, wide-eyed and hungry as she’s tossed into a maelstrom of haughty men and clubgoing sisters in strutting.
    Richard Lawson, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
  • And Wednesday chooses her parents over her haughty grandmama Hester (Joanna Lumley).
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Delaying this meal was linked with greater risk of death in a sizable 20-year study.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 4 Sep. 2025
  • It’s been three weeks since a historic flood put the greater Milwaukee area under water.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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