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 In the Great Smoky Mountains, with higher elevation that leads to a climate more similar to New England, color changes can begin as early as mid-September in yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry trees. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025 Thermal belt development enhanced this at some elevations. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The peak of the fall season is dependent on several factors including temperatures, rainfall, elevations and more. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Sep. 2025 Seiler added that areas rich in tree diversity and elevation are great for seeing fall colors. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • So, Hilleary will be in the odd position of facing a significant pay cut for getting a big promotion on Capitol Hill.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • During one promotion, the Front Door Protection System was available for 60% off (bringing the price down to $279).
    John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • On the screen were images of rolling hills, deer frolicking in the forest, and waves crashing on the shore.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Flip invented the Wheezer Scale for gauging the difficulty of hiking up hills.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cities would also generally be prevented from imposing height and density limits based on how close a development is near a transit stop.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Channel Orange, his breakthrough album, preceded Blonde by several years but didn’t reach the same heights.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And if 2025 is any indication, next year will only continue her remarkable ascent.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk’s ascent in conservative politics mirrored the rise of right-wing populism in America.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • These enormous mounds of debris left over from the feasts contained thousands of bones.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • That left right-hander Connor Brogdon – fresh off the plane from Salt Lake – on the mound when the Mariners scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The European snow season typically runs from late November until early May, thanks to several high-altitude resorts with glaciers that extend the winter season into fall and spring.
    Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The second stage was able to regain attitude control and managed to climb to a peak altitude of 198 miles (320 kilometers) before exhausting its fuel.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • An opportunity for career advancement presents itself as the sun and Mercury align.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The post also includes videos of Twiggs skiing down a mountain.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The evening after Jîna’s death, on assignment for the newspaper Ham-Mihan, my friend and colleague Elaheh Mohammadi drove eight hours overnight, through winding mountains and narrow roads, to Saqqez, Jîna’s hometown in Kurdistan.
    Fatemeh Jamalpour, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elevation

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