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 That’s not surprising as higher elevations experience more extreme wind and rainfall conditions. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Blanche’s official elevation also opens up the question of who will assume his former position as deputy attorney general. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026 This combination could lead to more frequent Pacific storms, bringing heavy rain to low elevations and significant snow to the Sierra. Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 The heavy marine layer overnight helped firefighters as humidity rose to nearly 90%, although the fire continued to burn actively in higher elevations above the marine layer. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • Despite playing a pivotal role in Leicester’s promotion to the Premier League in 2014 and then the great escape to avoid relegation a year later that paved the way for surely the most unlikely title success of all-time in 2016, James had no offers.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Rules have tightened in recent years, and officials with children and a spouse in other countries are not eligible for promotion.
    Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The students then used a topographical map from the Internet and CNC machine to get the hills exactly right.
    John Lauritsen, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The fear is that a spark from an encampment could be whipped by winds and quickly turn into a devastating blaze across Malibu’s fire-prone hills.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Barrack has mediated direct talks between Syria and Israel in an effort to make sure that an uneasy truce is sustained, especially in southern Syria where Israeli forces continue to occupy strategic heights on Syrian soil.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • With their height factor, watch out for Lampard’s side at long throws.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The ascent of Polymarket, Kalshi, and other event prediction markets has led to new opportunities for insider trading.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Redgrift and Forest’s ascent through the gallery’s ranks often followed parallel trajectories, and both were promoted following an earlier restructuring in 2021.
    News Desk, Artforum, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Yet Webb, seemingly unaffected, keeps taking the mound and giving the Giants a chance.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Gerrit Cole had kept Toronto scoreless up to that point, but momentum shifted after the Yankees ace double-clutched and threw soft and wide to second on a potential double play ball back to the mound.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Many travel editors are familiar with the landing at London City Airport, too, where the glittering city skyline shows itself like a mirage after high-altitude journeys.
    Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • According to his calculations, at all altitudes above 550 kilometers, the number of satellites is already high enough that even if all launches stopped today, the amount of debris in space would continue to grow for the foreseeable future.
    Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Having captured global attention with its dancing and kung-fu fighting androids, China’s Unitree has become the poster child of the country’s robotic advancement.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Research has shown that women with obesity earn about 6% less than thinner women for identical work and that people in larger bodies may also face discriminatory termination and negative stereotypes that can hinder hiring and career advancement.
    Brittney McNamara, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The combination of volcanic activity and sudden weather changes can make conditions on the mountain particularly hazardous.
    Anna Matranga, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • For generations, children have had to literally climb a mountain roughly every 10 days – for three hours – to get to and from boarding school.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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