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
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
Many of Straus’ contemporary philanthropists were setting lofty goals for their giving. Leslie Lenkowsky, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 2026 But Donovan shows us the calculation, verging on disingenuousness, beneath Meyers’s lofty, earnest veneer. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loftiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loftiness
Noun
  • Aemond, too, for that matter, while Daemon’s arrogance continues to get Team Black into all sorts of predicaments.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But the league’s own research found that what reads as charisma in Dallas can land as arrogance in Düsseldorf.
    Sam Birchall, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Across a few overs, Cox was guilty of trying to steer a fifth stump line into the leg side, drawn in by the vacant space, but also his own apparent superiority over the bowler.
    Ben Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Unlike his predecessors, Fedorov publicly laid out a strategy to defeat Russia through attrition and technological superiority.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loftiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loftiness. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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