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as in elevation
the distance of something or someone from bottom to top the altitude of the highest mountain in the U.S. is only about two thirds that of the highest mountain in the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun altitude contrast with its synonyms?

The words elevation and height are common synonyms of altitude. While all three words mean "vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it," altitude and elevation apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; altitude is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; elevation is used especially in reference to vertical height on land.

fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters
Denver is a city with a high elevation

When is height a more appropriate choice than altitude?

In some situations, the words height and altitude are roughly equivalent. However, height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low.

a wall two meters in height

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 altitude Sunscreen Sunburn isn’t just a beach problem—UV rays intensify at high altitudes, making mountain sun protection crucial. Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025 The History Of Middle Eastern Airspace Battles On October 4, 1991, four Israeli F-15s took off, flying at low altitude over Syrian airspace before crossing into Iraq and ascending over the Al-Qaim and Al-Walid border regions before returning home. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 The minimum crossing altitude was listed at or above 1,380 feet msl. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 But the bone-dry cabin air and the altitude can really mess things up. Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for altitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altitude
Noun
  • Researchers thought colder temperatures and higher elevations could stop the march of invasive fire ants.
    Gareth McGrath, USA Today, 28 June 2025
  • Butler had been a Panther himself, and had resented Pratt’s elevation as Los Angeles leader.
    Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • Set high above Hollywood, the rooftop setting features iconic, 360-views of the Hollywood sign, Capital Records building and surrounding hills.
    Chelsea Frank, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • The river reached its second-highest height on record, surpassing a 1987 flood level, according to the National Weather Service.
    Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • Chambray may be a humble fabric, but 100 Hands has elevated it to new heights with its Iced Washed Japanese Chambray Shirt.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Altitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altitude. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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