1
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

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 The Spa Even amid the Middle East’s lofty spa standards, Neyrah Spa is impressive. Hazel Plush, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025 The Giants are proud to be represented by Webb for the second consecutive season, putting him in a lofty class of perennial players. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 7 July 2025 At that time, the administration set a lofty goal of reaching 90 trade deals in 90 days. Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Twin Cities, 7 July 2025 But, in the long run, tariffs probably can’t achieve all of his lofty goals at the same time. David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
  • Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Christopher McDonald plays Happy’s comically villainous, arrogant rival Shooter McGavin, maestro of the finger guns.
    Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 25 July 2025
  • In addition to Sandler, the 2025 film also sees the return of several familiar faces, including Julie Bowen as Happy’s love interest, Virginia Venit; Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Happy’s arrogant nemesis; and Ben Stiller as Hal L., the orderly from Happy’s grandmother’s nursing home.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bobby Lee is proud of Borderlands, but his experience at the movie's premiere wasn't entirely pleasant.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 July 2025
  • But that policy can also backfire – in part because many regions, such as Marathi-speaking Maharashtra in the west – are staunchly proud of their local language.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • But this week, Trump — always looking for a shiny object — is forcing his minions in Congress to muscle through a bill that ends the modest subsidy for the CPB (along with billions in foreign aid and other noble causes).
    Josef Adalian, Vulture, 17 July 2025
  • Sean Englert, the grand noble historian of the local Squibob Chapter, said his organization would look into recognizing the history made at the mission.
    Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Seeking to obtain explicit support, Bolsonaro’s third son, Eduardo, a member of Brazil’s lower house of congress and his family’s most eloquent international voice, took a leave from his legislative duties and moved to the U.S. early this year.
    Rafael R. Ioris, The Conversation, 14 July 2025
  • This dress features striped detailing and an eloquent and understated length.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • In Kentucky, the teen firearm suicide rate is 82.5% higher than the national average, according to gun death statistics maintained by the CDC.
    Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 29 July 2025
  • And the stakes in Oklahoma are high – as of July, federal data shows all 77 of the state's counties were experiencing some level of shortage of mental health professionals.
    Beth Wallis, NPR, 28 July 2025
Adjective
  • Santa Monica was a town in flux when Miller was in high school at the turn of the millennium: a Berkeley meets Beverly Hills where haughty affluence was rapidly eclipsing the Birkenstocks and counterculture bumper stickers.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
  • This information doesn’t make the prospect of leaving her home painless, but Ruth approaches it with a haughty dignity that soon becomes familiar.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is a place where costumes do a lot of heavy lifting, and Cady is a great example, her wardrobe shows us what is happening to her inside.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • This is a great UFC fight card that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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