Definition of loftynext
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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

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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 lofty Unlike Musk, who’s known for making lofty promises, Cardenas prefers not to make many public predictions about Apollo. Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026 That’s a pretty lofty description, but how does the new Celebration Sour Mash actually taste? Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2026 Malinin came with a lofty goal. Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 The brand specializes in beautiful basics—we’re talking crisp sheets, lofty pillows, and plush towels made of high-quality fabrics like organic long-staple cotton at a less premium price. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • For a modern or narrow doorway, tall, slender plants elongate the entry.
    Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Since the collapse of his VHS empire in 2005, Bill has taken on the world’s toughest challenges, like the Arrowhead Ultra, the Badwater Ultra, swimming the English channel, and attempts at the world’s tallest peaks.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And ironically, the most arrogant ones are the worst ones.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But there’s a throughline in Smith’s most popular works — he’s been cast repeatedly as a villain, and usually an arrogant or smug one.
    Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Trained as an attorney, Levine is very proud of his accomplishments, launching his FM station when FM was not doing well.
    Richard Wagoner, Daily News, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Nutrition is key to our overall health, and farmers are proud to grow and raise a diverse range of crops and protein for consumers to enjoy.
    CBS News, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That love, of course, is a pure and noble one in this iteration.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Thank you for your attempt at helping in the noble cause of mannerliness, but Miss Manners is afraid that your suggestion represents the problem, not the solution.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But, to paraphrase one of Philip's lines, his column is fluent, eloquent, and almost entirely beside the point.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
  • But Candiace isn't done giving eloquent speeches just yet.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And the stakes were extremely high.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Under the bill, school districts can apply for reimbursement for any high-needs student for costs beyond $30,000 per student, with a maximum reimbursement of up to $100,000 per student.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • High-resistivity wafers enter the high-level injection regime more readily than low-resistivity ones, a physical characteristic that underlies their superior intrinsic potential for achieving high fill factors.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Alas, the reality of sports demands that true greatness is measured only on the biggest stage, where the physical strength and innate talent gifted to every superior athlete takes a backseat to mental fortitude.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Suites with interconnecting doors across the balcony are a great choice for larger families, and most regular activities include child-friendly options, like the beginner’s surfing classes in calmer waves or toddler bikes for cycling along the nature reserve.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • There is a fantastic Lam retrospective at the Modern Museum of Art, but Scott had the idea months before and went to great lengths to convince Lam’s estate to collaborate.
    Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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