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 Research the specific elevation change and total distance to build up gradually. Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026 The Core model is the most basic option with head and foot elevation, zero-gravity, anti-snore, lounge, and TV presets, along with three memory positions, app control, and a zero-clearance design that can sit inside some platform beds. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026 The experience focuses on terroir and craftsmanship, the combination of climate, elevation, soil, cultivar and the skill of the tea maker. Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 It was named so because the hill’s steep elevation was too trying for adults, and the lore goes that children hiked up to help pick grapes. Kyle Lucia Wu, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • Before opening, Thomas personally visited neighboring businesses throughout the plaza, encouraging them to offer promotions so visitors would support the entire shopping center rather than only Frosty Frogs.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • The promotion also used the broadcast to announce Salahdine Parnasse will make his UFC debut against Dan Hooker.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • The fire ignited near Little Valley Road and Hubbard Lane before racing across nearby grassy hills and sending a plume of smoke over parts of the East Bay.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
  • It should be noted, however, that before construction began, Universal Studios did place speakers on its old special effects and stunt buildings to see how noise traveled down the hill.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • The aluminum body is strong enough to withstand drops from average heights.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
  • At its height, the town even boasted a hospital, ballroom, ice factory, and the southern hemisphere’s first x-ray machine.
    Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Corey Heim, a 24-year-old NASCAR Cup Series part-timer, continued his stunning ascent by winning the crown-jewel Brickyard 400.
    Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 27 July 2026
  • But that’s very, very rare air — just a handful of entrants over thousands of years — and a steep ascent for a modern filmmaker working with runtime of 2 hours and 52 minutes.
    Tom Tapp, Deadline, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Arrighetti exited the mound at Rate Field after a brief conversation, continuing the right-hander’s confounding, two-month collapse while thrusting Houston’s rotation into a further state of flux.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • Webb on the mound, the Giants positioned themselves to cruise to an easy victory.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • The heat, the humidity, and the mile-high altitude of Mexico City would combine to create a tournament of bad football.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The idea was intended to address the shortage of water that cultivators face during the dry season in Ladakh, which is a high-altitude cold desert.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Ogwumike also reflected on how this advancement furthers the league’s development.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • While additional forces could be impacting the group Monday, including AI advancements in China , the WSJ story is capturing a lot of attention.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • The inside of the mound was tightly stacked with beech wood which smolders for weeks until it's been turned into charcoal — a craft that's been practiced in the Harz mountain region in eastern Germany for hundreds of years.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 July 2026
  • Richmond, Virginia Virginia’s mountains, beaches, and rivers bat well above average in the natural beauty department, and Richmond puts you within driving distance of all of it.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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