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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 Analysts and investors alike noted the company’s lofty valuation is hard to digest, even after the strong report. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025 The global selloff in semiconductor stocks accelerated on concern over lofty valuations for some of the artificial intelligence boom’s biggest winners. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2025 The exports mark a win for the Gulf’s lofty AI ambitions, as some in Washington worry the partnership could backfire given the UAE’s close links to China. Semafor Events, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025 Barca’s transfer spending has been trimmed in recent years, but wages remain lofty to keep hold of young stars. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Five years after Dan died at 32 years old, Judy decided to make their lifelong dream of getting the 75-foot-tall Norway spruce outside their home in upstate New York to the front of Rockefeller Center come true.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
  • So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are certainly some top-notch barbecue restaurants that made the cut, but the Michelin selection barely scratches the surface of the South’s long, proud barbecue tradition.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • What’s left now is a proud elite program trying to scrape its way into bowl season.
    D’Joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers finally confirmed the noble identity of skeletal remains first discovered over a hundred years ago.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Guiteau, though, is a lot less noble than Garfield, and a lot less humble.
    David Bianculli, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Oscar Isaac plays the pompous Victor Frankenstein, though Jacob Elordi steals the movie as the tragic and eloquent Creature.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
  • With the photographs, beloved quotes from figures such as the founder of fashion retailer Moda Operandi, Lauren Santo Domingo, and emotional ephemera not limited to eloquent caftans plus chic suiting, chosen to be displayed, each item was handpicked due to its sentimental meaning to Talley.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In Cincinnati, at least 10 doctors have received over $1 million in industry payments, according to an Enquirer investigation, with Archdeacon and Sagi being fifth and seventh highest paid on the list, respectively.
    Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
  • Friedrichsen, a Wake Forest transfer, was among the trio of Wildcats in double figures, connecting on three triples and dealing a team-high three assists in the win.
    Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And when daily wear and tear was simulated – through continuous electric-toothbrush abrasion equivalent to about a year of brushing, as well as chewing and grinding – the teeth actually had superior resistance to wear, fracture and acid attack compared with natural enamel.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Instead of settling for 3-pointers, Boozer took the ball hard to the basket in the second half while a Duke team with obviously superior talent to Texas got untracked.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • WeRide is a member of this year’s Future 50, Fortune’s annual ranking of companies with the greatest potential for growth.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • After looking over the latest update from Jim Bowden, the odds of Bregman staying with the Red Sox are not looking too great currently.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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