peak 1 of 2

Definition of peaknext

peak

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun peak differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of peak are acme, apex, climax, culmination, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When could acme be used to replace peak?

Although the words acme and peak have much in common, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would apex be a reasonable alternative to peak?

The words apex and peak can be used in similar contexts, but apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When might climax be a better fit than peak?

While in some cases nearly identical to peak, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When is culmination a more appropriate choice than peak?

While the synonyms culmination and peak are close in meaning, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When is it sensible to use pinnacle instead of peak?

The words pinnacle and peak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

In what contexts can summit take the place of peak?

In some situations, the words summit and peak are roughly equivalent. However, summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

How does the noun peak differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of peak are acme, apex, climax, culmination, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When could acme be used to replace peak?

Although the words acme and peak have much in common, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would apex be a reasonable alternative to peak?

The words apex and peak can be used in similar contexts, but apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When might climax be a better fit than peak?

While in some cases nearly identical to peak, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When is culmination a more appropriate choice than peak?

While the synonyms culmination and peak are close in meaning, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When is it sensible to use pinnacle instead of peak?

The words pinnacle and peak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

In what contexts can summit take the place of peak?

In some situations, the words summit and peak are roughly equivalent. However, summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

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 peak
Noun
Highs peak in the mid to upper 60s. Rachael Jay, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 Each tram will have the capacity to transport 107 riders, so at peak times, passengers will only be waiting 3-5 minutes. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
The tornado had peak winds of around 130 mph, the NWS said. Natalie McMillan, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026 The Lyrid meteor shower is active between April 16 and April 25 and will peak in the predawn hours on April 22. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peak
Noun
  • There are high-mountain hikes aplenty, and the team can help set up trips to religious events (if the times align) and visits to traditional nomad families to learn more about the local culture.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But, while watching the rugged coastline dip in and out of fjords and spiky mountains tumble down into the sea, magicians and musicals were far from my mind.
    Karen Gardiner, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • He was particularly intrigued by schizophrenia—the pinnacle of madness and the most complex puzzle of all.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Still, the pinnacles of the heartland-rock canon continue to thrill us in unexpected ways.
    Jack Hamilton, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The former model, 56, has become known for an oversized brim, especially during formal and ceremonial appearances.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • What’s more, the padded shoulder straps are genuinely comfortable, even when the bag is stuffed to the brim (as someone with shoulder issues, this is a huge plus).
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Paolo would surge, and Cade would streak.
    Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The conflict has caused oil prices to surge as the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world's oil supply normally flows daily, remains blocked.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • About 45 minutes after the sun sets, the eye-catching celestial duo will be visible in the western sky, roughly two-thirds up from the horizon to the point directly overhead (called the zenith).
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • At that time, McCann’s crypto firm was at the zenith of its success.
    Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Water testing has been temporarily increased to once a month at the Oceanside Harbor after someone reported seeing a suspicious liquid dumped from a boat.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • This sprawling, unchecked population growth just increases water demand.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This shows the height of the mountain Democrats must climb.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Stocks pulled back from their record heights on a shaky Wall Street on Thursday following mixed profit reports from Tesla and other big companies.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The river is expected to crest on Wednesday, but homeowners in Holiday Hills are already dealing with some issues as the water is rising quickly.
    Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The Des Plaines River is expected to crest, or reach its highest peak, at 18 feet this morning before gradually receding, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Water Prediction Service.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Peak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peak. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

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