high 1 of 3

adjective

ˈhī How to pronounce high (audio)
Definition of highnext
1
as in tall
extending to a great distance upward as the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest is mountaineering's holy grail

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2
as in increased
being at a higher level than average gasoline prices are high right now a high fever people with high incomes

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3
as in elevated
located at a greater height than average or usual an eagle's nest high on the cliff an old house with high ceilings

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4
as in higher
being far along in development a cabal of self-proclaimed Luddites who argued that the evils of high technology far outweighed its virtues

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5
as in drunk
being under the influence of alcohol not only has he never been high, he has never even tasted alcohol

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6
as in expensive
commanding a large price the concert tickets weren't cheap—you don't even want to know how high they were

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7
as in great
having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature she had the highest intentions, but her "help" turned out to be a disaster

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8
as in top
highest in rank or authority high government officials lord high executioner

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9
as in ripped
being under the influence of a recreational drug he's clean now, but when he was younger he used to get high every day

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high

2 of 3

noun

1
as in ecstasy
a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion it took days for the high of the World Series win to wear off

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2
as in sky
the expanse of air surrounding the earth V formations of honking geese on high mean winter will soon be here

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high

3 of 3

adverb

as in large
in a luxurious manner after he had won the lottery Philip lived pretty high—until all the money was gone

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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
Today, patients who enroll in hospice tend to have a higher quality of life, including less pain, greater patient satisfaction and, for some, longer survival. — Jane Callahan, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 Currently, the smoke is relatively high up in the atmosphere. — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 14 July 2026
Noun
Walmart closed at $113, which is 17% below its own 52-week high. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 16 July 2026 Tuesday will also have a 20% chance of precipitation, with a high of 99 and a low of 67. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026
Adverb
Impossible Metals said the project will initially create more than a dozen high-paying engineering and science jobs, with additional hiring expected as operations expand. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 The menu makes its way around Italy with dishes like gambero rosso carpaccio finished with caviar and espelette chili, Pomodori della Nonna piled high with peak-season tomatoes, and tagliolini tossed with king crab in a bright citrus bisque. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for high
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high
  1. tall
  2. increased
  3. elevated
  4. advanced
  5. drunk
  6. expensive
  7. great
  8. top
Adjective
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • He was described as between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 11 inches tall and about 180 pounds.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of tall
Adjective
  • Ivan Toney, who plays in the Saudi league, and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins could also get increased minutes.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • Aim for increased fans and continuous air movement four times an hour if in a limited area.
    — Stella Canino-Quiñones, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
Definition of increased
Adjective
  • And there are signs elevated mortgage rates are keeping would-be buyers out of the market.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • When rates increase or stay elevated, life events, like home purchases or renovations, that drive the bulk of Home Depot's business get pushed off, if not canceled altogether.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of elevated
Adjective
  • The partnership brings together two specialized manufacturing approaches as the companies pursue opportunities in research, development, process advancement and commercialization of advanced composite solutions, the press release concludes.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026
  • Lightweight constructions and advanced fibers bring softness and movement to authentic denim aesthetics.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Definition of advanced
Adjective
  • The victims’ families believe Trost, who had been returning from a restaurant when the crash occurred, was drunk at the time.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026
  • These days, noisy, drunk, barely dressed visitors holiday hard in condos that have been converted into vacation rentals.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of drunk
Adjective
  • While China has buffered itself from the broader supply shocks, more expensive fuel and commodities could weigh on consumer sentiment and disrupt manufacturing.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
  • Earlier this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg broke the county’s record for most expensive home sale with the purchase of an Indian Creek Village waterfront mansion for $170 million.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • There are good footballers, there are great footballers and then there is Messi, who plays as if he has been sent here from another dimension, a superior life form inside the 5ft 7in frame of a normal guy from Rosario, Argentina.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Healthcare's greatest crisis isn't financial or technological.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • From a team perspective, DFW hosted all four semifinalists and the top seven goal scorers in the entire tournament.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • One of the first things Arison did after becoming the Heat’s owner was hire Pat Riley in September 1995, which ended up turning into one of Arison’s top basketball accomplishments.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of top

Phrases Containing high

Browse Nearby Words

higgledy-piggledy
high
high and dry
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Cite this Entry

“High.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of high for Spanish Speakers

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