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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 springtime bird migration peaks between late April and mid-May.1 To get its rankings, Lawn Love looked at access to parks and refuges, the variety of bird species found, the popularity of bird watching, conservation efforts, and ideal climate. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 May 2025 The probability of lightning strikes rises as a thunderstorm approaches and peaks when the storm is directly above. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
Verb
Whooping cough tends to peak in the spring and fall. Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 6 May 2025 Quadrantids, 1st meteor shower of 2025, expected to peak tonight: How to watch Visibility will be spotty in some parts of the U.S., forecasts show. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for peak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peak
Noun
  • Later in the evening, Hield picked Curry’s brain about the pros and cons of leaning into a small lineup or going more traditional, all to counter Adams, the New Zealand mountain in their way.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Interior valleys, mountains and deserts could see wind gusts of up to 35 mph.
    Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Arches National Park is known for its colorful stone arches, pinnacles and balanced rocks.
    Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025
  • Most apropos is that the statue will be forged by fire, an analogy perfectly befitting Staley and her journey to this pinnacle.
    Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Styles include a coach’s jacket, running short, short brim hat and bucket hat.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
  • These features give the appearance of a rounded crown and broad brim of a sombrero, for which the galaxy is named, according to a statement from NASA.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The river is now surging from runoff brought by historic rainfall in early April, AccuWeather reported.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Now, it’s surged again by seven positions, hitting a new all-time peak once more.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The 2012 Olympics were Campbell’s zenith but an eight-year professional career brought a further 20 wins from 24 fights and lightweight world-title contests against Jorge Linares and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • At that point Jupiter is just visible in the west, about 32 degrees above the horizon (this is about a third of the way up to the zenith).
    Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • What’s more, from 2011 to 2022, the suicide death rate for children and spouses in military families slightly increased.
    Anne Ritter, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
  • Suicide rates increased 37% between 2000-2018 and decreased 5% between 2018-2020 before returning to their peak in 2022, according to the agency.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Popular evergreen options like arborvitae, especially slender types such as Forever Goldy Arborvitae, offer height without taking up much space.
    Debbie Wolfe, Popular Science, 8 May 2025
  • At their height under Postecoglou in his debut season, their PPDA was 6.24.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • The highlight of the entire collection is, without a doubt, a necklace set with a cresting wave of diamonds with icy blue and sea green cuprian elbaite tourmalines from Mozambique.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Unprecedented rainfall led Nashville to record a two-day total of 13.57 inches, leading to the Cumberland River cresting at 51.86 feet.
    John Sabo, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Peak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peak. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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