high 1 of 3

1
as in tall
extending to a great distance upward as the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest is mountaineering's holy grail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

high

2 of 3

noun

high

3 of 3

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective high contrast with its synonyms?

The words lofty and tall are common synonyms of high. While all three words mean "above the average in height," high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level.

a high hill
a high ceiling

In what contexts can lofty take the place of high?

Although the words lofty and high have much in common, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might tall be a better fit than high?

The words tall and high can be used in similar contexts, but tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

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 high
Adjective
The bodice of the coatdress featured a high, rounded neckline, with rounded shoulders to further accentuate the lines of the garment. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2025 Hamilton made more than $4 million last week, marking the highest gross the musical has hit in its ten years on Broadway. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
Across the Upper Peninsula, highs will be in the upper 40s, 50s and 60s with overnight lows in the 30s, 40s and low 50s, the weather service predicts. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Globally, negative emotional feelings have declined from COVID-19 pandemic highs, according to the survey. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Adverb
At that moment, sitting in the bleachers after the assembly, a fellow student high-fived him. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025 The limestone relief was in the tomb of Khentika, a high-ranking figure during the sixth dynasty of the Old Kingdom period. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for high
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high
Adjective
  • Fans of Tim Burton's Frankenweenie were treated to an animatronics line in June, featuring an over 5-foot tall Victor, Emily, along with a 2-foot tall Sparky.
    Ramon Padilla, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Miners argue increased subjection to the dust has led to an eruption of black lung, an incurable disease associated with inhaling the particles.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • However, any increased ability—or need—to rely on parental support does little to support the idea that the American Dream is alive and kicking.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Traditionally, hormone therapeutic leuprolide is prescribed to treat recurrent prostate cancer – something indicated by elevated levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) following initial treatment.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Shares of Darden Restaurants have added 1% this year, but Cho said that Darden Restaurant’s somewhat elevated current valuation still seems justified.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The woman, who is five-months pregnant, explained on the community forum Mumsnet that she was left looking after her 4-year-old son at a wedding after her husband decided to get drunk at the wedding party.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Malcolm is only getting drunker and more sullen as the reception progresses.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From flooding to hurricanes and sinkholes, homeowners in the county face a number of challenges which makes coverage more expensive—especially considering that flood insurance is not part of a standard policy.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The proposal beat out two less expensive pitches.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Given these complex three-way dynamics, Delhi will likely continue to upgrade ties to the Taliban regime, and support its efforts to gain greater independence from Pakistani influence.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Reese had some great tunes for her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And while handing Ole Miss its first loss of the year was reason to celebrate, things got pretty somber rather quickly for the Bulldogs after learning the injury status of one of their top playmakers.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Other labels — including Valentino and Sandro — marked the season with intimate evening celebrations and events for their top clients, reinforcing the trend of experiential retail.
    Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In the footage, also obtained by PEOPLE, Tarek can be seen wearing a ripped shirt as he's questioned by an officer in a small room with his elderly dad.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
  • When at ports, the crew does everything from deck tours and day sails to maintenance, such as fixing a stove, sewing a ripped sail or doing laundry.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025

Cite this Entry

“High.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on high

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!