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 Snowshoe, the biggest ski resort in West Virginia with the most substantial elevation drop, sprawls over 251 acres serviced by lifts. Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 If scoring high-elevation climbs and miles-long treks are in your future, the Cloudhorizon shoes should be, too. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026 In a state defined by elevation and aspiration, the 2025 Audi SQ5 feels like it was designed with our altitude-centric roads in mind. Chris Jackson, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026 To prepare for a speedy performance, Obiri left the elevation and hills of Boulder, Colorado, for four weeks to train in the warmth and relative flatness of Phoenix. ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • Rodríguez quickly climbed the Yankees’ minor league ladder in 2025, starting at High-A, forcing his way to Double-A, and earning a brief promotion to Triple-A for his last starts of the year.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In 2016, Albertsons paid $107 million to settle a BOGO promotion case in nearby Oregon, plus another $107 million to settle a 2023 federal court case concerning BOGO promotions in Washington.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • However, veteran right-hander Jacob deGrom will take the hill for the Rangers.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Atlantic Shores Riding Stables can take you on a ride over hills above the Atlantic Ocean and down to the beach for an hour – or more, if your glutes can handle it.
    Hollie Clemence, TheWeek, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The documentary chronicled the height of outlaw country, which saw Coe in good company — Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, and the Charlie Daniels Band are also featured.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Cut up to half the sedge's height in early spring to thin it out.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Hikers should be prepared for steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, and high altitude conditions.
    Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026
  • While Norman was the primary face of LIV’s ascent, Al-Rumayyan was the somewhat mysterious force in the background, providing funding and making deals.
    Brody Miller, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jackson Knickerbocker was dominant on the mound, striking out five for the shutout.
    Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Joe Coughlan went 3-for-3 with a solo home run while Tyler Jones was dominant on the mound with nine strikeouts in seven innings as Sandwich earned a 6-2 nonleague win over Bishop Stang.
    Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Noddin said police believe the individual was using a low-altitude paraglider and not parachuting from a higher altitude.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The are headed to medium-Earth orbit at about 5,000 miles altitude.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But Gernsback's innovation of collecting previously-diffuse bits of literature ruminating on scientific discovery or technological advancement in one place proved to be an idea with staying power.
    Chris Klimek, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The case stands as a powerful example of how advancements in forensic science, particularly utilizing DNA and forensic genetic genealogy, continue to transform cold case investigations, delivering answers even decades after crimes occur.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This gorgeous view of the Flower Moon was captured by Ahsan Mohammed Ahmed Ahmed as the lunar disk rose over the mountains close to the city of Erbil in Iraq.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
  • Other samples contained alder and ash, more common to rivers, as well as fir and beech more typical of the mountain regions of Istria and Dalmatia.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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