1
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 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 Flying at high altitudes requires birds to be more efficient in their movement and energy production. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 Operating in what's called low-Earth orbit – an altitude that allows for things like satellites to circle Earth fairly quickly – helps reduce latency and connectivity issues during video calls, gaming and streaming. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for altitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for altitude
Noun
  • Out-and-back route is 4.5 miles with an 800-foot elevation gain.
    Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
  • The area is sandwiched between the higher elevation Crestwood and Monticello neighborhoods and the Trinity River levees.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, hill peaks, or ridge tops.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • The issue is that BMI measures health risk by calculating height and weight.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 24 June 2025
  • Turmoil continues to roil the Middle East in a 12-day conflict that reached new heights June 21 after President Donald Trump authorized a series of U.S. missile strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Altitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altitude. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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