LOFTY Synonyms: 297 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

lofty

adjective

ˈlȯf-tē

Definition of lofty next

as in tall

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in proud

having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself his lofty attitude toward menial chores really rankles the other camp counselors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature remained true to the cause's lofty ideals, regardless of the changing winds of popular opinion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in eloquent

very dignified in form, tone, or style the lofty nature of the coronation ceremony

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Providence had loftier expectations this winter but Kelechi Enyia, who scored more than 500 points as a freshman according to Trendel, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in October. —

Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 Other names carried loftier ambitions. —

Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026 Every decision of his career, Redick said, stems from trying to compete in environments that hold lofty goals at their epicenter. —

Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026 Be plainspoken, not lofty or academic. —

Meg Kinnard, Fortune, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lofty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty

Adjective

The buildings would be 70 feet tall, an increase from the 55 feet that is included in the underlying zoning in the area, to preserve open space on the land.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Beyond saving time, these robots offer a genuine safety benefit by eliminating the need to climb tall ladders just to reach your windows.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

Definition of tall

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lofts

lofty

log

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“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of lofty

adjective

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