Definition of elevationnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun elevation contrast with its synonyms?

The words altitude and height are common synonyms of elevation. 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 can height be used instead of elevation?

The words height and elevation can be used in similar contexts, but 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 elevation Fall colors descend by elevation, starting at elevations above 10,000 feet above sea level in September and peaking at the highest elevations around the fall equinox. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026 As previously reported, the MTA last week instituted a similar rule for all worksites at which a curve or elevation change meant the track crew would be out of sight from the nearest subway platform. — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 The state is likely to experience hazards ranging from widespread coastal flooding to heavy rain at lower elevations and mountain snows. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 The elevation differences cause temperature inversions, where the warm air traveling over the ridges traps the cooler air closer to the ground, along with the smog and pollution. — Daliah Singer, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • Granda added that Polymarket is also spending considerably more on promotions to acquire new customers, and the prediction market industry has become effectively a two-horse race that will see a handful of other players fighting for scraps.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The chain had blamed the decline on launching too many promotions, plus inadequate customer service and its massive World Cup promotion failing to attract eaters.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • One such home is in the tranquil Ojo de Agua neighborhood, in the hills that rise above the central part of the city.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026
  • While the rest of the table is encouraging growth and forgiveness, Meredith is refusing to budge, completely stonewalling this apology and completely willing to die on this hill.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • And depending on the era in which the carpet was installed, the color, style, make, or pile height can come off as dated and tacky.
    — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Despite just turning 14, Rocky appeared almost the same height as his mother in the rare joint photo.
    — Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Perhaps the kid is resisting gendered socialization itself, the whole ascent to physical adulthood and its attendant adolescent affronts.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Its rapid ascent is proved by revenues growing tenfold in the past five years and projected to hit the 450-million-euro milestone in 2026.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • So, when Verlander takes the mound for one final time with the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, appreciate his greatness.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Mason Black took the mound for Lynch after a strikeout and a walk.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The fourth is a biothermoshock Gesha ($12) grown in high altitudes, moving from extreme hot and cold temperatures over a short period of time.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The missile does not have to accelerate from the ground, allowing the launch aircraft to contribute altitude and speed before the weapon begins its own flight.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But new aircraft deliveries and technological advancements are changing that.
    — Chris Dong, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Based on my experience with large-scale technology projects and complex enterprise settings, a disconnect is growing between the pace of technological advancement and the regularity of governance evaluations.
    — Ramachander Rao Thallada, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Journey through the wild Multiple locations were used as the forests and mountains that James and Odin trek across.
    — Emily Zemler, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Subsequent revelations or cover-ups will turn a molehill into a mountain.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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