Synonyms of perpendicular

perpendicular

adjective

ˌpər-pən-ˈdi-kyə-lər 

as in vertical

rising straight up

river rafters staring awestruck at the canyon's nearly perpendicular cliffs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vertical
• standing
• erect
• upright
• plumb
• lifted
• raised
• upstanding
• upraised
• elevated
• stand-up
• upended
• freestanding
• stand-alone
• semierect

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flat
• recumbent
• diagonal
• prostrate
• supine
• hanging
• slant
• sagging
• slanted
• slanting
• slanty

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective perpendicular differ from other similar words?

The words plumb and vertical are common synonyms of perpendicular. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one.

the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

When is plumb a more appropriate choice than perpendicular?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpendicular, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

When is it sensible to use vertical instead of perpendicular?

While the synonyms vertical and perpendicular are close in meaning, vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of perpendicular

At each of the four end points, a small panel about 2 to 3 feet wide would be mounted perpendicular to the netting to prevent access. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026

In areas where the soil feels particularly heavy or compacted, Kail recommends making a second pass perpendicular to the first to ensure thorough oxygen exchange. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 May 2026

How to Survive a Rip Current Unlike waves that push toward the beach, rip currents move perpendicular to the shoreline, carrying water, and anything floating in it, out to sea. — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026

Folding out horizontally to be a side sleeper (rather than perpendicular to the wall as is traditional), this full-sized bed frame is slim without sacrificing comfort. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 May 2026