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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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 But beneath those lofty questions of ethics lies a more basic problem: These guys are out of touch. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 1 May 2025 Because of that lofty goal, Kinokuniya offers books and magazines in both Japanese and English in U.S. stores. Mae Hamilton, AFAR Media, 1 May 2025 There’s a fireplace in the lofty great room, decorative wainscoting in the dining area and a walk-in pantry in the kitchen. Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2025 After teasing this track for almost two months, Keable’s full joint meets the lofty expectations. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Built to haul small satellites to orbit, the rocket stands 82 feet (25 meters) tall and has an unusual design for a modern launcher, with three stages, each powered by hybrid engines burning a proprietary solid fuel mixed with a liquid oxidizer.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The targets of Trump’s economic aggression will accept greater hardship to preserve their dignity than American voters will for the privilege of acting like arrogant menaces.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
  • This feud carries on today, with Hogan having called out Hart for being too arrogant.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the next round that year, Boston lost Game 6 at home to the Heat before knocking out Jimmy Butler and his proud team by capturing Game 7 in Miami.
    Jay King, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Our characters deeply love each other, and the conflict between them is about noble issues, not petty drama.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 8 May 2025
  • Voices Despite noble intentions, California’s environmental law is hurting Latinos July 19, 2024 Rent in California is 50% higher than the national median, according to U.S. Census data.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The actor enhances his character’s long inner monologues with his eloquent ice-blue eyes, which can convey emotions ranging from disdain and discomfiture to despair and devotion.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 May 2025
  • The artist also wore an eloquent necklace by Repossi.
    Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Building a community around these creators keeps engagement levels high and content flowing, as their audiences feel personally invested.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • Again, not having gotten two doses of the MMR vaccine will leave you at much higher risk for getting the measles and all the bad stuff associated with it.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • When indifferent and haughty stylist Magno Stift falls ill ahead of the tributes’ big pre-games interview, a young Effie swoops in as makeshift stylist, bringing in clothes that belonged to her great-aunt and great-uncle.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • As the daughter of the haughty Chodron de Courcel and Brondeau d’Urtières families, Bernadette never lacks confidence.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • White Smoke Billows from Vatican Chimney White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out on Thursday, signaling that a new pope—the 267th leader of the Catholic Church—had been chosen on the second day of the conclave.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • There is seemingly a show for each subgenre for fans of all those great 2000s series.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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