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 Just quiet satisfaction at the first steps towards fulfilling lofty ambitions for them and the sport at a pivotal moment for the female game. Paul Newman, New York Times, 13 June 2026 The Long Good Friday (1980) Morals and ethics are at the heart of this British crime classic, which follows Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins), a prideful London gangster with lofty ambitions to restore England to its former glory. Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 The DeLand junior suffered a back injury about a month and a half before the postseason, so the road to his already lofty goals looked like it was blocked. Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026 Zoli’s lofty warehouse space continues Amant’s design sensibility, employing and elevating simple materials like concrete, brick, and wood, which, says Ebers, are visually warm and acoustically beneficial (a boon nowadays when having a conversation in a restaurant can be increasingly challenging). Fiorella Valdesolo, Vogue, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • She was described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 200 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 17 June 2026
  • In fact, no building in the entire town can be built over four stories tall.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The two roles underline the actor’s formidable versatility, all skittish panic in the former and arrogant sociopathy in the other.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 June 2026
  • Washington State’s beauty is almost arrogant in its expansiveness.
    C Pam Zhang, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Citadel is proud not to have a touchy-feely atmosphere.
    Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • From a family cooking class to golf-watching gatherings, these 28 Father’s Day celebrations are sure to make dad proud.
    Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • In recent days, young Knicks fans have been made to digest from their dreary Boomer elders heavy doses of old-timey hoops lore, but mainly about the 1970 title series, featuring Willis Reed’s limping, yet noble appearance in Game Seven, his injured leg shot up with painkillers.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
  • The work also avoided the use of expensive noble metals, which are commonly used in high-performance catalysts.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • The high wattage that packed the ballroom included actors (Jeremy Renner introduced his friend Afanasieff, Jane Seymour talked up the careers of Britten and Lyle) and one very famous director, Steven Spielberg, who helped close out the ceremony with an eloquent speech to introduce Swift.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 12 June 2026
  • The documentary, which lands in theaters this weekend, creates a time capsule of videos, memories and eloquent observations that add up to work of incredible beauty and heartache.
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • While Daly City is widely known for having the highest concentration of Filipinos in the region, the broader San Jose metropolitan area boasts a thriving community of about 109,000 Filipino Americans, according to Pew Research data.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • Mets shortstop Bo Bichette drove in a career-high six runs, and the Braves lost 7-5 Friday at Citi Field.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Musk projects that SpaceX will expand its network ten-fold to 100,000 digital birds in the years ahead, and that his superior capacity and extremely low cost ensure by far the dominant position for years to come.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 13 June 2026
  • While Folarin Balogun got the striker nod in the final tune-up against Germany, Ricardo Pepi might be the better option against Paraguay given his superior ability to drop deep and link-up play.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The tornadoes that do form in the higher risk area could become intense — EF3 strength or greater — and might also travel long distances.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • Most hotels sit behind the main road, often thronged with tourists and traffic noise, but the Regent Shanghai on the Bund gives guests great views without the fuss.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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