LOFTY Synonyms: 297 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

lofty

adjective

ˈlȯf-tē

Definition of lofty

as in tall

extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she acts all lofty and superior just because she went to an Ivy League college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in proud

having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself his lofty attitude toward menial chores really rankles the other camp counselors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature remained true to the cause's lofty ideals, regardless of the changing winds of popular opinion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in eloquent

very dignified in form, tone, or style the lofty nature of the coronation ceremony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 lofty The lofty platform heels featured a glitter finish, an ankle strap and a high block heel. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 Many of them will be looking to show off their skills to potential suitors, while others will be seeking to justify their lofty reputations. — Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Of course, Kane has loftier aspirations, as England seeks its second-ever World Cup title — and its first since 1966. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026 But if the workers vanish, so will the lofty numbers, advocates say. — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lofty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty

Adjective

The arch would be more than twice as tall as the Lincoln Memorial, which is 99 feet (30 meters) tall, and close to half the height of the Washington Monument, at about 555 feet (169 meters) tall.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
Should another fire roll through, the seedlings are not yet tall enough to hold their branches above the flames.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of tall

Adjective

West Germany, arrogant attitude adjusted, pounded Chile, 4-1.

— David j. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026
Lasso, in his initial introduction to audiences, wasn’t the warm, pun-loving, inspirational coach audiences would eventually embrace through Apple +, but a slightly arrogant buffoon parodying the average American sports fan.

— Charles Moss, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

So is the proud Iranian diaspora showing up en masse to mostly support Team Melli twice, in draws with New Zealand and Belgium.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Andres Guardado, the former Deportivo La Coruna and Real Betis midfielder, was always proud to have 20 photos of Messi and him together on the pitch.

— Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of proud

Adjective

Warm, fuzzy feelings for noble stupidity are an American thing, especially in politics.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
The idea that, rather than taking your phone out of your pocket to open the Soundcore app to get all the settings, is a noble one, but it's replaced by taking your carry case out of your pocket, unlocking it, and then getting to all the settings.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of noble

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

Millions of Americans paying higher Affordable Care Act insurance bills in 2026 will once again face double-digit rate hikes next year, marking another cost increase for health insurance that has become prohibitively expensive for some.

— Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 8 July 2026
The effective closure of the waterway after the outbreak of the war saw oil prices surge, fueling concerns about an energy shock that could feed into higher inflation across the globe.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Definition of high

Adjective

Companies such as Old Dominion command elite market caps by maintaining industry-leading operating ratios, premium pricing power and superior service standards, according to analysts.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 8 July 2026
This plan offers the shelf-stable convenience of traditional kibble but elevates it with premium ingredients and superior taste.

— Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of superior

Adjective

Naturally, minds will go back to 1986, when Argentina beat England 2-1 and Diego Maradona scored arguably the greatest World Cup goal of all-time.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
And the greatest Golden Boot chase in World Cup history as greats Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane rose like giants.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of great

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lofts

lofty

log

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“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lofty

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