Synonyms of perpendicular

perpendicular

adjective

ˌpər-pən-ˈdi-kyə-lər 

as in vertical

rising straight up

river rafters staring awestruck at the canyon's nearly perpendicular cliffs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vertical
• standing
• erect
• upright
• plumb
• lifted
• raised
• upstanding
• upraised
• elevated
• stand-up
• upended
• freestanding
• stand-alone
• semierect

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flat
• recumbent
• diagonal
• prostrate
• supine
• hanging
• slant
• sagging
• slanted
• slanting
• slanty

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perpendicular differ from other similar words?

The words plumb and vertical are common synonyms of perpendicular. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one.

the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

When is plumb a more appropriate choice than perpendicular?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpendicular, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

When is it sensible to use vertical instead of perpendicular?

While the synonyms vertical and perpendicular are close in meaning, vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of perpendicular

The perpendicular energy from Tuesday's earthquake went toward Hawaii. —Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 30 July 2025

But with the boat between 50 and 100 yards from the craggy shore near Rubicon Point, its engine failed, causing the vessel to turn broadside — perpendicular — to the oncoming waves, the NTSB said. —Ethan Wolin updated July 23, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2025

In April, the brand opened a 1,100-square-foot flagship on Rue François 1er, a perpendicular to luxury shopping epicenter Avenue Montaigne. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 15 July 2025

Plants are stacked in perpendicular layers, maximizing the use of space. —Qusi Alqarqaz, IEEE Spectrum, 12 Oct. 2023