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 Planning a multi-day backpacking trip there is no easy feat, as visitors must pack for significant elevation gain and loss — more than 6,000 feet total, according to the Catalina Island Conservancy — on a route with minimal shade. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026 The other will be the elevation of everyday objects and materials into fashion, like paper or metal. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026 Gonzalez, who is on the practice squad, has one elevation left before the team has to decide whether to sign him to a spot on the active roster. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026 Highway 1 near the Bolinas Lagoon is vulnerable to water elevations 3 feet or greater. — CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • The Black Friday promotion brings the K70's price down to US$699, with a US$600 saving and complimentary promotional extras.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Hegseth’s unprecedented intervention in the meritocratic promotion process has dramatically altered the military’s upper echelons.
    — Peter D. Feaver, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • For families The fresh air and rolling hills of Bürgenstock lends itself to an idyllic family-stay.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Malcolm had a property that was kind of up in the hills, backing up against a lot of wildlife, ground, and forest.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Indeed, sea levels reached record heights — not seen in more than a century of observations.
    — Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • All clouds at heights where temperatures dip below freezing have the potential to create icing conditions, according to the FAA.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Rama attains liberation after renouncing the world, while Lakshmana’s violent actions lead him to hell before a spiritual ascent later.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • In May, two Indian climbers died on Mount Everest during a record-breaking period of ascents via Nepal's southern route.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • On a brisk October morning, a coyote ventured onto a mound of dirt in Agoura Hills and inadvertently became a pioneer.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Surrounding this former Franciscan convent were orchards and open fields and Native American burial mounds.
    — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • They are used to evacuate trekkers and guides suffering from illness or exhaustion amid the region's cold temperatures and high altitude, according to The Associated Press (AP).
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The temperature at its altitude was minus 43 degrees, meaning any moisture introduced onto the plane would freeze.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Announced in September, Daimler Truck's newest safety advancements include Active Cross Traffic Assist, Active Sideguard Assist 3, and improvements to its Active Drive Assist system.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The successful demonstration represents more than an advancement in drone technology.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Sky Rooftop restaurant is the property’s undisputed star with jaw-dropping panoramas of the lake, mountains, and city that surround it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Africa was a different case altogether—hemmed in by mountain belts at the time, its erosion and sediment were shaped by the mountains rather than by the mantle beneath.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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