high-flown

adjective

ˈhī-ˈflōn How to pronounce high-flown (audio)
Definition of high-flownnext
1
as in rhetorical
full of fine words and fancy expressions gave a high-flown reply instead of a simple "yes" or "no" answer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in eloquent
very dignified in form, tone, or style high-flown speeches about the nobleness of their cause

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for high-flown
  1. rhetorical
  2. eloquent
  3. ornate
  4. formal
  5. majestic
  6. literary
Adjective
  • Wagner’s sixty-page bid offered little more than a rhetorical embrace of the Administration’s immigration policies.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Rather than simply suggesting Talarico is weak on border security or inflation economics, Paxton’s campaign has taken a different rhetorical approach.
    — David Rooney, The Conversation, 10 July 2026
Definition of rhetorical
Adjective
  • After all, the eloquent document’s principal author, Thomas Jefferson, owned 600 slaves.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Mizuno the Human Vapor was eloquent and rational, a flesh-and-blood man believably warped by power, still in touch with human emotions.
    — Rory Doherty, Time, 3 July 2026
Definition of eloquent
Adjective
  • Since 2024, a new system of permits has designated four categories of mudlark, a satisfyingly ornate regime for what is, at heart, a deeply painstaking activity.
    — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • In many African countries, couples’ families will exchange ornate jewelry or beads instead.
    — Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 17 July 2026
Definition of ornate
Adjective
  • Washington responded by turning its assurance into a formal guarantee, though one signed as an executive order a successor can revoke.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Anderson’s neighbors, Matt and Laurel Nelson, needed to meet that threshold to move the case to a formal hearing on their complaint against the county manager.
    — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • Argentina in Kansas City A block northeast of the Country Club Plaza sits a fountain so majestic that it’s often featured on TV live shots.
    — Sam McDowell July 11, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026
  • There’s something charming, if not majestic, about watching one of the team’s biggest, strongest players sprint across the field to be the first in line for every drill.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Definition of majestic
Adjective
  • Other simple positive actions include attending events with writers at local bookstores, getting involved with and supporting the local library or literary arts center, and sharing the joy of reading with the people in our lives.
    — Jen Benka, Time, 14 July 2026
  • The Shards could similarly prove to be a sensationalized and provocative romp, given the tone of the source material and the general vibe of both Ellis’ literary works and Murphy’s shows.
    — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
Definition of literary
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.

Browse Nearby Words

highfliers
high-flown
high-flying
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Cite this Entry

“High-flown.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high-flown. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on high-flown

Nglish: Translation of high-flown for Spanish Speakers

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