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

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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 The National Transportation Safety Board has said passengers and flight attendants were thrown into the ceiling with enough force to crack some of the interior panels before tossing them back to the floor and then up again. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 In the living room, Tagliaferri, who is an art collector himself, created a floor-to-ceiling ceramic mural. — Leonie Rolinck, Architectural Digest, 9 Oct. 2026 This contains a sofa, chair, and a coffee table, with a ceiling fan above. — New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026 Indeed, the hotel transformed five stars from a ceiling into a starting point. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 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
  • Real-estate holdings are exempted from the tax so that Proposition 40 can’t be accused of violating Proposition 13’s property-tax limits.
    — Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • One of the lawsuits says Fox gave Hall free rein to push the Fox news team into an area he'd been repeatedly warned was off limits.
    — Jennifer Schmidt, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of limit
Noun
  • The Padres had a runner on first with one out in the ninth inning when France hit a towering fly ball that struck a railing on the roof before Chourio caught it in fair territory on the left-field warning track.
    — Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Designed for ranch work and rugged driving, the Terra pickup features green paint, 37-inch tires on 18-inch wheels, heavy-duty side steps, a front bull bar, a roof basket with lights, and expanded cargo-bed storage.
    — Chase Jordan October 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of roof
Noun
  • But their newfound popularity also brought new attention to their limitations — several studies have shown that pulse oximeters overestimate blood oxygen levels when used on darker skin tones.
    — Anil Oza, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Since the players sued in 2024, the claim was filed well after the applicable limitations period expired.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of limitation
Noun
  • Stringing up some quick canopies in response to baking heat seems obvious.
    — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Studies of Boston’s urban canopy show Hyde Park experiencing tree loss at a higher rate than other Boston neighborhoods.
    — Kendra Nordin Beato, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of canopy
Noun
  • Anger can provide useful information, signaling that something is unfair, a boundary has been crossed, or an important goal is being blocked.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • That slight sense of unease, coupled with Faith’s crystalline country voice and boundary-pushing songwriting, is at the core of her record Cherry Valley (and the recent deluxe version, Cherry Valley Forever).
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of boundary
Noun
  • Sprinkled around the old-growth forest and ocean shores, each of the 25 canvas tents has a private deck and heated bathroom floors, and some also feature outdoor cedar showers and cast-iron stoves.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The special teams ace went to the blue medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of tent
Noun
  • The lovely south-facing casement windows in the living room are original; at the other end of the apartment is enough room for a second bedroom or office, plus a closet).
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2026
  • OpenAI’s closest rival, Anthropic, has shown no inclination to delay its own IPO, which is expected sometime before year’s end.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of end

Phrases Containing ceiling

Browse Nearby Words

ceilidhs
ceiling
ceilings
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Cite this Entry

“Ceiling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ceiling. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ceiling

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ceiling

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