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 peak of the fall season is dependant on several factors including temperatures, rainfall, elevations and more. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025 The leaves in Colorado will begin to change color around the end of September in the lower-elevation areas like Denver and Boulder. Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Dadu mountain lizards live in a mountainous river valley between elevations of 7,100 to 7,600 feet, the study said. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025 The real elevation, though, came in the tender and vulnerable moments that dot the narrative. Tim Greiving, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • The edge-of-roster promotions of pitchers like Ryan Borucki and Easton Lucas won’t suddenly save the bullpen.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While the brand initially started off as a column in a youth-run magazine, Dimoldenberg parlayed the idea into a digital series which is now increasingly being used by film marketing teams as part of the press cycle for film promotion.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Departing from its 1905 depot like a moving postcard, the train follows the Toccoa River, passing sycamores and sourwoods, rolling hills, and farms along the way.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • It is written and directed by Evans, also deaf, and features an all-deaf cast, set atop the rolling hills of the English countryside in a quaint stately home.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Heeled mules are the ideal way to take both your style and your feet (literally) to new heights.
    Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Recently, however, both teams have elevated themselves to greater heights.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Released in August 2024, the song’s ascent was a slow burn.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The very effort meant to stall its ascent is accelerating it.
    Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Shortly after scoring the Phillies’ second run in a series-clinching 2-0 win against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, Bader saved what might have been a home run, then chest-bumped Marsh as closer Jhoan Duran smiled on the mound.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Explore the reconstructed mound and structures to learn about the rich Native American history of the region.
    Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The plane’s altitude was lower than normal, and continued to descend.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The report, which covered May 2023 to June 2024, states that Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) were seen across a wide range of altitudes.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The top floors of the museum are dedicated to African American culture and the pivotal role Black Americans have played in everything from music and literature to technological advancements and the military.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
  • But the parade, commemorating the end of World War II, was undoubtedly intended to telegraph the rapid advancement of the world’s largest military, and signal Xi’s growing ability to project hard power on the world stage.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • As of publication time, Simpson has reached 11 mountain peaks.
    David Chiu, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • So, building here is an homage to Aspen’s past, a way of honoring the pioneers who helped transform a quiet mountain town into an international destination.
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elevation

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