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 In the Sangre de Cristo foothills, this high-elevation, off-the-grid contemporary mountain home is on 40 acres, with a greenhouse, guest cabins, and a garage with a studio. The Week Us, TheWeek, 17 Feb. 2026 Higher elevations saw more meaningful gains in the way of snow. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026 At lower elevations, northern Arizona could get rain with high winds. Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026 Further east, a winter weather advisory was also active through Wednesday for the Central Coast mountains, indicating accumulating snow of 5 to 10 inches for elevations above 3,000 feet, with the highest peaks seeing up to 18 inches of snow. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts Book by March 31, 2026, to take advantage of Hilton’s Kids & Teens Stay Free promotion at select all-inclusive resorts.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Her armbar finishes and cage charisma singlehandedly prompted White to begin promotion of women's MMA, with Rousey at the center of his plans.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Cotswolds in the United Kingdom attracts tourists from all over the world for its alluring rolling hills, quaint villages and historic mountains.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Our lovely Skeldale family stands together and suddenly notices the fires burning on other hills all across the countryside.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Finish with your favorite heeled boots to add height and let the coat truly shine.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Take your garden to new heights with vining plants that add quick color to fence lines.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The agency routinely monitors weather conditions along the rocket’s path, in case an emergency on ascent requires the Dragon capsule carrying the astronauts to separate from the rocket and land along the East Coast.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
  • In a season obsessed with volume and victory speeches, Lilleaas’ ascent has been defined by trust, vulnerability and the radical act of listening.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Royals fell in love with his competitiveness on and off the mound.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Adam has been throwing off a mound since early December and, with Padres pitchers and catchers set for their first official workout of spring on Wednesday morning, is now throwing full-go bullpen sessions.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lower altitudes are expected to see less snow, but higher elevations could actually see higher snowfalls as temperatures there remain below freezing but warm enough for there to be more moisture for storms.
    Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The helicopter carrying the device was flying slowly at a low altitude over the area where investigators are still hoping to find Guthrie, the sources said.
    Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But the bill’s advancement was not cause for celebration among the food security advocates who have been calling for state funds to cover the cost of school meal copays for years.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
  • After reporting Rotter, Walker said he was subjected to racial harassment and a hostile working environment, including being denied overtime, training and advancement opportunities, according to court filings.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The plane crashed in a very remote part of Emerald Mountain, a mountain with hiking and biking trails just across the Yampa River from Steamboat Springs, Routt County Sheriff Doug Scherar said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Mountain travel was highly discouraged, according to the weather service, with snow reducing visibility, causing major delays and prompting chain controls likely on Interstate 80 and other mountain passes.
    Michael McGough February 14, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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