Definition of lownext
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as in tropical
being near the equator we took a cruise to the low northern latitudes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in depressed
feeling unhappiness I was feeling low, and wanted to do something exciting to cheer myself up

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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low

2 of 3

noun

low

3 of 3

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective low contrast with its synonyms?

The words base and vile are common synonyms of low. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.

refused to listen to such low talk

When could base be used to replace low?

While the synonyms base and low are close in meaning, base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.

base motives

When can vile be used instead of low?

Although the words vile and low have much in common, vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.

a vile remark

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 low
Adjective
Most people with Type 1 narcolepsy have extremely low levels of hypocretin because the brain cells that produce it have been damaged or destroyed. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026 Locally heavy rain will quickly reduce visibility and result in ponding of water on roadways, standing water in low lying areas, and minor flooding of creeks, streams, and areas of poor drainage. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
Noun
But Viktor Hovland tied his own career-low round with a 9-under 61, positioning himself just two shots behind Scheffler’s lead. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2026 Meanwhile, according to a separate Gallup poll, Russians’ views of their country’s economic situation is at a 20-year low, a sign the war is putting pressure on Moscow. Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 30 June 2026
Adverb
Venus will also be visible shining as a bright evening star shining low on the western horizon on the evening of July 29, but will set less than two hours after the sun, along with the stars of the nearby Leo, the lion. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2026 Kaishu Sano gave the Samurai Blue the lead in the 29th minute with his first international goal, swooping past a lumbering Casemiro before firing low to goalkeeper Alisson’s right from the edge of the box. David Hickey, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for low
Recent Examples of Synonyms for low
Adjective
  • The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • The nose offers orchard fruits and rich whiskey notes, while the palate surprises with a Kentucky-style rye character, baking spices, and tropical fruit.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • SpudCell is still primitive, most closely resembling a bacterium.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 1 July 2026
  • While primitive in appearance, the arms kept the device relatively secure on my neck.
    Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some Wordlers also play Competitive Wordle against friends, family, the Wordle Bot or even against me, your humble narrator.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Johnson Products Company — which would later go on to manufacture Ultra Sheen, Classy Curl, Curly Perm and men’s cologne line Black Tie — was made from humble beginnings, grit and a revolutionary product idea.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • The pseudonymous title character, a depressed, drunken, belligerent twenty-six-year-old advice columnist, has no real hardships of his own and is cursed by doubt.
    Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026
  • Supergirl is a story about a depressed, super-powered woman who is pulled out of her bar-hopping to help other people and find her purpose.
    Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The arils are deep ruby-red in color and have a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that many people find refreshing.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Facing intense competition, Accor recognized the need for deeper customer retention and advocacy.
    Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • One of the easiest make-ahead dishes is a stir-fry, and a short ingredient list adds to its appeal.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026
  • This short-sleeve tee is wrinkle-resistant and has a crew neckline.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • Following a year of historically weak hiring in 2025, hiring rebounded this spring.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • In a weak free-agency class, centers Robert Williams III (Portland) and Mark Williams (Phoenix) are already off the market, each reportedly agreeing to return to their current teams.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Like a more crass, animated Seinfeld, Rocko deals with the mundanities and absurdities of daily life.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
  • With the games having kicked off, the sport has shown its ineffable power to supplant crass and capitalistic overreach.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Low.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/low. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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