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peak

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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

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
The Orionids will peak on October 20 – 21, producing up to 20 meteors per hour — more than any other meteor shower in October or November, according to StarWalk. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 20 Oct. 2025 The Orionid meteor shower is set to peak Tuesday. Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
Expect delays, especially during peak travel times. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado updated October 28, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2025 Each crop is harvested at its peak, immediately cooled to preserve its natural flavor and nutrients, and transported to one of Taylor Farms’ advanced processing facilities. William Jones, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peak
Noun
  • Yet stimulatory or not, America’s economy has a mountain to climb before Washington’s debts align more appropriately with its economic context.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Today, Leadville blends its rugged past with a love of the outdoors and small-town vibes with big-mountain adventure.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The last American to compete in the pinnacle of motorsport was Logan Sargeant, who raced for Williams for nearly two years before the team replaced him.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In fact, management guru Simon Sinek said all successful people have hit rock bottom before reaching their pinnacle.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the Davies lobbies brim with art installations and preconcert activities by local artists, community groups, and Latin American cultural partners.
    Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The pillbox and sculpted brim styles — especially as seen at Dior — bring such a sense of presence and poise to any ensemble.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Heat, drought and other poor weather conditions have hurt coffee production globally in recent years, causing prices to surge.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Jen Bianco, owner of TransWorld Tradeshows, has watched attendance at her massive Halloween and attraction events surge in recent years as professional haunters trade tips, technology and terrifying new ideas.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Then, pick a patch of sky 40 degrees away in the direction of your local zenith, which is the point directly above your head.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Goggins is in the midst of a zenith year that shows no signs of stopping.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The cuts come after Chegg in May laid off 22% of its workforce, citing increasing adoption of AI.
    Annie Palmer, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2025
  • With increasing space traffic from various nations and private companies, keeping tabs on potential collisions and threats becomes crucial.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Barcelona used a mix of zonal and man-marking but struggled when teams exploited their comparalative lack of height and physicality by using players in motion.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • These ones have a lug sole that offers extra height and more room for cushioned support.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In Spain, Atresmedia has become the become the latest buyer of murder mystery guessing game show A Party to Die For, which was initially crested by ITV Studios Netherlands and Talpa Studios.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Comey’s indictment crystalizes the cresting concern over the use of the Justice Department as a political tool for presidents to prosecute their enemies — a precedent Trump accuses Joe Biden and Barack Obama of setting — with Bondi right in the middle.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peak. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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