ceiling

noun

ˈsē-liŋ How to pronounce ceiling (audio)
Definition of ceilingnext
1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go there's a ceiling on prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in roof
a raised covering over something for decoration or protection we sat around the campfire under a ceiling of stars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 ceiling Rooms and suites are spacious, with Frette linens, handmade Swedish mattresses, deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows, while many overlook the Atlantic or the Miami skyline. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026 Offering views of the Hollywood Hills via floor-to-ceiling windows and a 1,600-square-foot terrace, Damon’s pad has two bedrooms and two bathrooms across its 2,600 square feet. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2026 Sitting right in the middle of the courtyard, the underground space is entirely shut except for a small ceiling opening. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 24 July 2026 The sky is the ceiling for Sooryavanshi, particularly in the shortest format of the game. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ceiling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ceiling
  1. limit
  2. roof
  3. limitation
  4. canopy
  5. boundary
  6. tent
  7. end
Noun
  • Over his first 17 starts, McClanahan has thrown 86 innings, and there has been loose talk of a limit of 150.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026
  • With the Heat so tight against the hard cap created by the Antetokounmpo signing, the Heat likely will only add two more to the standard roster and start the season with 14 such players, one shy of the NBA roster limit.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026
Definition of limit
Noun
  • Along with several classrooms and workspaces, the building will be a model for modern green architecture, featuring a geothermal HVAC system and a roof capture system to repurpose rainwater.
    — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • At present, the building’s roof work is nearing completion, district spokesperson Nicole Eimer said.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of roof
Noun
  • Two sources familiar with the matter told CNN over the weekend the uranium enrichment provision includes stipulations imposed by the US, but details of potential limitations are unclear.
    — Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Its attendance is capped at around 160,000 due to capacity limitations, which also limit the number of exhibitors in the 600,000 square foot exhibit hall.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of limitation
Noun
  • As much as 40% of the swamp’s forest canopy is consumed by insects and their larvae, an activity crucial to nutrient recycling.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • There’s no need to worry about your baby on a sunny day with the sun canopy providing UV50 sun protection.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Definition of canopy
Noun
  • The new 5th Congressional District boundaries were designed to ease a path for Republicans to force out Cleaver, who has represented Kansas City in Congress since 2005.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • As England captain, his success in elevating the team above mediocrity was only fleeting, but his impact crossed cultural boundaries.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 25 July 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • More than 10,200 families have received emergency supplies, including tents, tarps, solar lights, blankets, hygiene kits, cooking sets and Spanish Bibles.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Turning Point Action were among the conservative tents just outside the 75-foot electioneering barrier set up at the community college located in the north of Phoenix.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of tent
Noun
  • This is a character who, at least at the top of Season 2 and toward the end of Season 3, surrendered himself to the notion that the war is over.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • Full-backs Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella excelled at both ends of the pitch.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of end

Phrases Containing ceiling

Browse Nearby Words

ceilidhs
ceiling
ceilings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceiling. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ceiling

Nglish: Translation of ceiling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceiling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of aerie

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All