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
  • His prose is noted for its rhetorical, exuberant style and use of satire.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Eisenkot lacks Netanyahu’s rhetorical flair, polished English, and decades on the world stage.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of rhetorical
Adjective
  • Baitz’s verbal gymnastics aren’t a good fit for Harris, who is at his most eloquent when his characters are at a loss for words.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
  • One fascination of this brave book—brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism—lies in watching the eloquent, intelligent sufferer steadily entrapping herself.
    — James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of eloquent
Adjective
  • Her library hosted a bright pink sofa and matching rug alongside an orange armchair, while the living room held kitschy dog statues, seats the color of lemon drops, and ornate silver candlesticks.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026
  • There’s a luminous series of royal blue engravings presented with ornate flourishes, recalling styles favored by the French aristocracy.
    — Elisa Turner, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornate
Adjective
  • His death comes in the third week of IDHW’s formal monitoring of the 2026-27 flu season.
    — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
  • OutKick had attended all 13 formal press conferences during the first three Finals games without being called on.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of formal
Adjective
  • The Wicker Husband’s presence — his brooding desire, and the spectacle driving the whole town wild with horny jealousy — is a majestic demonstration of cinematic craft from Dániel and Godena-Juhász and Dunckley and Rubano.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2026
  • And Smith had spent his teenage summers working in the Sierra as a mule hand, so reporting on the fate of the trees would be a chance to reconnect with a majestic landscape that left an enduring mark on his soul.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of majestic
Adjective
  • Amenities and experiences Dublin’s literary heritage, inspired by the likes of Oscar Wilde, seeps through the walls of The Wilder Townhouse and is reflected in thoughtful details throughout the entire experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Writing, the Other Life, a volume of her letters, interviews, previously unpublished diaries, and essays about her literary and political contributions, is now available in English.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 27 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 2026.

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