Definition of loftynext
1
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 Predictably, Corey has been criticized in certain quarters for her merging of the lowest and loftiest forms of culture. Literary Hub, 1 May 2026 Meanwhile, the unceasing churn of clothing, footwear and accessories depletes soils, poisons the water, pollutes the air, drives deforestation, accelerates biodiversity loss and generates runaway planet-warming emissions that undermine brands’ lofty environmental ambitions. Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 1 May 2026 And lastly, some rather lofty words from the founder of a new AI startup. Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 1 May 2026 With its sand dunes, lofty peaks and lava hoodoos, daytime at Craters of the Moon can be as fun as the night. Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • In fact, Bethea said Stokes — who chose KU over Kentucky and Oregon — projects to be a tall guard in college.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Their eight-tier, 3-foot-tall fruitcake was so large that a door had to be removed to fit it into the palace's Picture Gallery.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The series has devolved into a hysteria that the young and arrogant Timberwolves feed on since that first quarter of Game 2.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026
  • However, many thought Tilson Thomas too brash and arrogant to lead an orchestra, and, around the same time, Tilson Thomas fell in with New York’s disco-hopping crowd.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Warnings, laments, and odes to renewal were expressed pictorially as dying days under bleeding heavens, belching volcanoes, proud icebergs, lavish rainbows amid spangling, mist-suffusing sunlight and dawns of peace and hope.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Simulation Academy at Yale is proud to announce the Graduation of approximately 75 students on Saturday, May 2.
    Simulation Academy at Yale, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • The staircase leads up to the portego, an enormous salon on the noble floor decorated with 18th-century paintings by Andrea Urbani and a large set of windows overlooking the Grand Canal.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
  • But the latest news is a reminder that even the noblest-sounding proposals can have severe unintended consequences.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Another eloquent defender of that idea was John Vasconcellos, an Esalen regular who served in the California legislature from 1967 to 2004.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
  • For a people known through their craftsmanship rather than their words, the return of the golden helmet of Coțofenești means one of the most eloquent objects the Dacians ever made can continue to speak on their behalf.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Montgomery hit a solo shot in the fifth, helping the Sox to a season-high fourth consecutive victory in front of a sellout crowd of 43,638 at Petco Park.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • Senior Nick Testa had a team-high three goals and six assists to help lift the host Scots past Pine Crest 15-7 in a 1A regional final on Friday night.
    Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Besides their obvious beauty, wicker baskets are superior for storage (especially laundry), providing excellent ventilation that prevents mold and mildew from damaging your linens.
    Ashley Poskin, Martha Stewart, 2 May 2026
  • Smyth’s nightly tasting menu of superior New Wisconsin cuisine highlights local and seasonal ingredients.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • After Marcus’s ground ball, everybody took great at-bats.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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