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

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 perpendicular In contrast, for those living in the Southern Hemisphere, the ecliptic at this time of year appears to stand almost perpendicular (at nearly a right angle) to the eastern horizon. Joe Rao, Space.com, 26 Sep. 2025 The narrow, strong currents flow quickly and perpendicular to the coastline. Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025 State law allows pedestrians to legally cross a street at perpendicular intersections unless specifically prohibited, regardless of street markings. Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2025 Plants are stacked in perpendicular layers, maximizing the use of space. Qusi Alqarqaz, IEEE Spectrum, 12 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for perpendicular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpendicular
Adjective
  • Palace are one of the most vertical attacking teams around.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Stratton offers more than 2,000 feet in vertical drop and one of the few slope-side villages on the East Coast.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His speech drew several rounds of applause and a standing ovation.
    Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Spokesperson for The Boca Raton Anne Marie Connolly told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that most standing water receded Monday morning.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • People erect and decorate ofrendas (offerings) with pictures and mementos of loved ones.
    Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Many use social media to call for an end to the violence, then erect memorials at the site of the shooting.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perpendicular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpendicular. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perpendicular

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