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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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high

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noun

high

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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 highest coverage area is along the coast from Stuart to near Daytona Beach. Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025 Paramount settled for $16 million, to go to Trump’s future presidential library, but Trump later claimed that the sum was higher, with an additional $16 million in PSAs and ads. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
For much of the year, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage has hovered relatively close to its 2025 high of just above 7%, set in mid-January. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 2025 The Algarve’s popularity is at an all-time high, especially with American buyers. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2025
Adverb
The breakables are up high, the furniture is anchored to the walls, the oven is locked, and the yard is fenced in. Jen Malia, Curbed, 20 Aug. 2025 The spree started on Tuesday morning (Aug. 19) with a mysterious image of Nas in white cowboy boots and a golden dress holding a pair of lanterns in a room piled high with different colored material on the floor. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for high
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high
Adjective
  • In a nod to the clock tower that stands tall over the downtown along Santa Fe Drive, the new market will be called Clock Tower Landing.
    Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2025
  • At six feet tall, the former student athlete cuts a no-nonsense figure.
    Monica Nickelsburg, NPR, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings also show increased demand, with a 17% and 16% increase in ticket prices from last year, respectively.
    Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Tariffs and increased competition are adding to the pressure now.
    Addy Bink, The Hill, 10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Those who fear they may have been exposed to elevated levels of cesium should contact their medical providers.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In his memoir, Perry recalled how Aniston was the first costar to confront him about his troubles despite him never having been drunk on set.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 11 Aug. 2025
  • In August 2024, the nursing home was penalized when federal surveyors found that two residents were leaving the nursing home without signing out and then returning drunk.
    Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But perhaps what’s even more interesting is that it’s somehow become less expensive than the $32,780 2011 LEAF.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Pictured below are the six most expensive houses sold in Little Rock for the week of July 21-25.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This tank would be great for exercise classes, hiking, and other sweaty activities.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Natural light floods the tiny house through double-pane windows on both levels, creating an airy, open feel, and there’s a roomy second-floor patio that’s great for relaxing and entertaining.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • That pass marked Dart’s first snap in a game behind the Giants’ projected starting offensive line with several of their top skill players.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
  • In the meantime, scroll below for our top stories today.
    Christian Romo, Freep.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The end of the footage shows a man in a ripped shirt trying to leave before being punched in the face by a woman.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“High.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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