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

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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
Almost 59 million Americans were under an extreme heat warning Saturday, Hurley said, as the high temperatures combined with humidity pushed an above-average heat index for the Northern Plains and the Midwest. Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025 With the stakes high, the housing bill has become the subject of misinformation and disinformation as the two sides cannot even agree on what the legislation says. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
Noun
The Russell 2000 is more than 13% away from it’s 52-week high, while the S & P 500 is 2% from a new all-time high. Frank Holland, CNBC, 24 June 2025 For all the highs that Young Thug’s performance delivered, there comes one somber realization. Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
Adverb
Instead the Panthers make the 2,500-mile trip back home flying high as that flight with the series knotted after Friday’s dramatic comeback triumph. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025 In the photo, Bush could be seen wearing two hats and a backpack, pushing a stroller piled high with bags and bags of things. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for high
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high
Adjective
  • Her presence on the floor presents as another tall obstacle for opposing teams to deal with.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • In addition, a study published in BMJ also found no increased risk of suicidal thoughts in patients with type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1 agonists when compared to two other diabetic drugs.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Utilities like Baltimore Gas & Electric are already beginning to roll out stronger incentives for electric equipment such as heat pumps, which provide highly efficient heating and cooling all in one system as well as increased rebates for home energy audits and weatherization.
    Josh Tulkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • The elevated tensions initially pushed oil prices up and stocks lower.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • All accommodations come with thoughtful touches like elevated mini-bar fare, Bellino fine linens, and plush, jewel-toned furniture.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • And maybe a little drunk and sick from all that oily food and crappy wine.
    Helen Schulman, The Atlantic, 26 June 2025
  • Yet the car will likely obey speed limits, never get drowsy or drunk and never rubberneck or give in to road rage.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Because kids don’t always need an expensive class or activity in order to learn valuable life skills.
    Miranda Rake, Parents, 25 June 2025
  • An absolutely massive ranch just an hour from Salt Lake City could become one of the most expensive properties ever sold in Utah. Sheep Creek Canyon Ranch in Morgan County, all 7,000-plus acres of it, has just hit the market for an incredible $72.5 million.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, a group that encourages civilian patrol of the streets, has identified himself as an anti-Trump Republican who wants greater safety in the city.
    Solcyré Burga, Time, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Grace Karin Boho Swing Dress This swing dress by Grace Karin is another awesome early Prime Day steal—especially if keeping cool while looking chic is a top priority.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
  • The list features the top innovators and impact-makers—from large companies to lone inventors—in sectors like mobility, communication, sports, entertainment and many more.
    Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Hal and Whitney would sit around the living room on the ripped couch and talk about sailing the world.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“High.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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