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

The following year, researchers excavated a set of about 12 footprints that appeared to walk in a line, then found another set of footprints running perpendicular. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024

Longer wavelengths materialize on Earth when sunlight hits from more of a perpendicular angle, so its route through our atmosphere can be more extensive. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025

As the vernal equinox approaches on March 20, Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the sun. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Slide the cutting edge of your scissors perpendicular across the raw edge. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2025