belonging to or characteristic of an early level of skill or development
once considered the latest thing, electric typewriters now look like low technology indeed
How does the adjective low contrast with its synonyms?
The words base and vile are common synonyms of low. While all three words mean "deserving of contempt because of the absence of higher values," low may connote crafty cunning, vulgarity, or immorality and regularly implies an outraging of one's sense of decency or propriety.
refused to listen to such low talk
When could base be used to replace low?
While the synonyms base and low are close in meaning, base stresses the ignoble and may suggest cruelty, treachery, greed, or grossness.
base motives
When can vile be used instead of low?
Although the words vile and low have much in common, vile, the strongest of these words, tends to suggest disgusting depravity or filth.
a vile remark
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 low
Adjective
After taking office in late 2018, Kaegi shifted assessments to account for systemic undervaluing of commercial buildings and overvaluation of low-income properties.—
A.d. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Nov. 2026 His priorities if given another four years were public safety, better roads and lower taxes.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Nov. 2026
Noun
Trump’s approval rating has fallen to a historic low ahead of Election Day; the last time the leader in the Oval Office saw their approval rating drop to a comparable level ahead of a midterm election was in 1946, during Harry Truman’s first term.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
2 Nov. 2026 The afternoon high on Sunday will be near 53, with a low of 34 expected overnight after the storm dissipates.—
Hali Smith
october 29,
Idaho Statesman,
29 Oct. 2026
Adverb
On just the third play of the next drive, Madsen connected with senior wide receiver Akeem Wright for a 22-yard pass to midfield, but Madsen was hit low after the throw.—Idaho Statesman,
1 Nov. 2026 High-performing offices exceeded their monthly goals, while low-performing offices missed them, with no discernible changes.—
Maureen Metcalf,
Forbes.com,
30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for low
The restaurant has a tropical dive bar feel, with plenty of diner favorites reimagined like a custardy Thai tea babka, French toast, and a signature Thai Diner egg sandwich made with Isan-style sausage wrapped in a plush roti.
—
Ali Domrongchai,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Nov. 2026
Somewhere in Australia’s tropical northeast, a tiny spider twitches in its sleep.
For more experienced hikers seeking extremes, the Backcountry Trail is a rugged seven-mile trek with steep grades passing primitive campsites, perfect for spending the night underneath the stars.
—
Judith Garrison,
AJC.com,
5 Nov. 2026
The designers were also working with hardware that looks primitive by today’s standards.
Becoming the first Latino directly elected to California’s highest office is a distinction Becerra was reluctant to promote on the campaign trail, preferring instead to focus on his humble roots.
—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Nov. 2026
Some fruits like blueberries and strawberries are thought of even past their peak seasons, while the humble cranberry only takes center stage at Thanksgiving or when trying to quell a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Celebrated as masterpieces today, at the time they were regarded as the unpolished works of a depressed, crazy man and commercially worthless.
—
Joan Martelli,
Time,
17 Oct. 2026
In the event of a severe winter or import bottlenecks, depressed storage levels not only narrow Europe's capacity to absorb supply shocks but also risk driving natural gas prices higher.
That was soon followed by two short drives, both finished by junior running back Dylan Riley.
—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
25 Oct. 2026
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Paris in today’s demonstrations, which were described by a senior police officer, speaking to CNN affiliate BFMTV, as largely peaceful — until a short while ago.
Trump was implying Ukraine was in a weak negotiating position and did not have the military resources to fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
—
Tom Jurkowsky,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Nov. 2026
And some players are turning on the season as seen by them letting the Jaguars tear through weak tackle attempts to the tune of 183 rushing yards and three passing TDs by Trevor Lawrence.
Copy Citation
