loftiness 1 of 2

Definition of loftinessnext
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as in tall
extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lofty contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and tall are common synonyms of lofty. While all three words mean "above the average in height," lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might high be a better fit than lofty?

The meanings of high and lofty largely overlap; however, 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

When can tall be used instead of lofty?

Although the words tall and lofty have much in common, 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 loftiness
Noun
The 17th-floor roof terrace, with a canopy above, a cutout in the concrete slab and catwalks all around, can’t compete with other observation decks for sheer loftiness. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2026 Even setting aside the loftiness of these goals, investors should be aware of the potential dilution implied if any meaningful portion of these tranches vest. — David Trainer, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026
Adjective
Each new release of a frontier AI model, such as Anthropic’s Mythos or OpenAI’s Astra, brings a new wave of speculation over how much closer this takes us to artificial general intelligence (AGI) and how much further that lofty goal remains. — Noah Giansiracusa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 Fortifying the railroad system at Chattogram Port could help Bangladesh come closer to meeting the lofty export target. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loftiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loftiness
Noun
  • But the Workers’ Party (PT) leader, who was accused of arrogance and of failing to understand the needs of young gig-economy workers, shook up his strategy, said Igor Gielow in Folha de São Paulo.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026
  • McVay and Snead have effectively built a culture of arrogance.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Advertisement Thirdly, place names should not be used to proclaim cultural superiority, advance territorial ambitions, or assert exclusive national ownership over geographical spaces shared among different peoples.
    — Reuben Rose-Redwood, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Forest had the bulk of the chances in a gritty second period but could not make its superiority count.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loftiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loftiness. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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