1
as in tall
extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

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2
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

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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 For all the lofty historical comparisons, sometimes the ordinariness of this moment is what strikes me most. Christopher Hale, Time, 9 May 2025 And Tucker achieved that lofty status with the Ravens despite playing a position that doesn’t often lend itself to celebrity and fanfare. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 6 May 2025 After the section’s top 12 teams are byed into the three-division playoffs, those not given such lofty ratings are then challenged to win their way into the section championships. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025 Investors had lofty expectations for the cloud businesses, which were reinforced by Microsoft and Google's results and raised expectations for Amazon's AWS, said Will Rhind, CEO of global ETF issuer GraniteShares. Deborah Mary Sophia and Arriana McLymore, USA Today, 3 May 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, 14 May 2025
  • Built to haul small satellites to orbit, the rocket stands 82 feet (25 meters) tall and has an unusual design for a modern launcher, with three stages, each powered by hybrid engines burning a proprietary solid fuel mixed with a liquid oxidizer.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The targets of Trump’s economic aggression will accept greater hardship to preserve their dignity than American voters will for the privilege of acting like arrogant menaces.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
  • This feud carries on today, with Hogan having called out Hart for being too arrogant.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The narrative continues to evolve, due in no small part to proud descendants of Hiram, James and Wallace.
    Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Voices Despite noble intentions, California’s environmental law is hurting Latinos July 19, 2024 Rent in California is 50% higher than the national median, according to U.S. Census data.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
  • Our characters deeply love each other, and the conflict between them is about noble issues, not petty drama.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The actor enhances his character’s long inner monologues with his eloquent ice-blue eyes, which can convey emotions ranging from disdain and discomfiture to despair and devotion.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 May 2025
  • The artist also wore an eloquent necklace by Repossi.
    Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, home equity loans and lines of credit tend to have high interest rates: in the mid-8% range as of mid-May, according to Bankrate.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • The stakes are high for FAMU, which is still reeling from past leadership controversies.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • When indifferent and haughty stylist Magno Stift falls ill ahead of the tributes’ big pre-games interview, a young Effie swoops in as makeshift stylist, bringing in clothes that belonged to her great-aunt and great-uncle.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • As the daughter of the haughty Chodron de Courcel and Brondeau d’Urtières families, Bernadette never lacks confidence.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • White Smoke Billows from Vatican Chimney White smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the great bells of St. Peter's Basilica rang out on Thursday, signaling that a new pope—the 267th leader of the Catholic Church—had been chosen on the second day of the conclave.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • There is seemingly a show for each subgenre for fans of all those great 2000s series.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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