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

Advanced Park technology can even assist with parallel or perpendicular parking. —Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 2 May 2026

By changing the orientations of the bars perpendicular to the waveguide, the team has been able to make the cantilevers curl into helixes. —IEEE Spectrum, 9 Apr. 2026

This means that, unlike regular rotors that are stuck perpendicular to their axis of rotation, AERIX T-6 rotors can independently change their direction. —Etiido Uko march 30, New Atlas, 30 Mar. 2026

An equinox is when the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the sun, resulting in nearly equal times of daylight and night. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 20 Mar. 2026