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 The Goliath roller coaster reaches an elevation of 200 feet and speeds up to 70 mph, according to the amusement park's website. — ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026 Light snow fell across some higher elevations early in the morning, with Sierra-at-Tahoe reporting measurable snowfall and a light coating across parts of the resort. — Ashley Nanfria, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 The 210-second ride reaches a top speed of 70 mph and an elevation of 200 feet, according to the Six Flags website. — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2026 After winding through an aspen grove, the trail gains close to 3,000 feet of elevation to reach the springs. — The Aspen Times, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • If Madewell’s current discounts and promotions aren’t piquing your interest, check Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Revolve, Bloomingdale’s, and Shopbop.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 15 Oct. 2026
  • For Ingersoll and some other religious scholars, Hegseth's promotion of an idea that has largely fallen out of favor with the American public ties in closely with his religious background.
    — Odette Yousef, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The entertaining spaces, including the adjoining living and dining rooms, are framed by large windows that look out on the rolling hills.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The area is sparsely populated with private estates set atop hills or within canyons, making firefighting access difficult.
    — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The entrance has a double-height ceiling topped with glass, while the main living room is two stories tall with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the garden.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Michael Stambaugh looks through a clinometer, an eyepiece that uses triangulation to measure tree heights, vertical angles, and slope steepness.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Griffith Park merry-go-round, which turned 100 this year, stands motionless, many of its 66 wooden horses weathered and caught mid-ascent.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • This allows operators to monitor the aircraft and atmospheric conditions during ascent and descent.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • So, Ohtani kept trying to work his way back to the mound for weeks after receiving a lubricating Orthovisc injection in his knee at the beginning of the All-Star break.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • He was fired up walking off the mound in the sixth after fanning Petey Halpin swinging at a 3-2 changeup.
    — Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The current itinerary for the trip is ambitious and the longest of his papacy to date, calling for Leo to clock just over 19,000 miles on a dozen flights and two helicopter rides, and a significant altitude change in Peru.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
  • An El Niño weakens and shifts the high-altitude vertical winds that otherwise can dampen or even decapitate storms.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Trade tech advancements are helping those at the vanguard of the new NA movement.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to being the league’s most valuable franchise, the Valkyries now hold the record for the fastest advancement to the Finals for an expansion team, making it to the championship in only their second season.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Just be prepared for the machine to spend a considerable amount of time producing a small mountain of plastic waste alongside your masterpiece.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Perfect Road, a documentary from Danish directors and cousins Adam and Christian Bonke, follows him on an extreme journey through some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, while also providing a meditation on modern life and character study.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on elevation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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