Definition of perpendicularnext

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 The video shot by Ross starts with the ICE agent in front of Good’s burgundy SUV, which was stopped for a few minutes perpendicular to a snowy residential Minneapolis street, obstructing the flow of traffic. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026 Video shows a red SUV driven by Renee sitting perpendicular and blocking part of the road. Heather Hollingsworth, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026 The vehicle is then seen being turned perpendicular and appearing to block the roadway. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026 The shower owes its brief peak to the near-perpendicular angle at which Earth smashes through the thin debris trail left by asteroid 2003 EH1. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perpendicular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpendicular
Adjective
  • Built for a client focused on results rather than polish by Nick Maselli, the robot—named Sourccey—features a cylindrical, mobile body with a domed top, two articulated arms, and a central vertical lift for handling garments.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Ten thousand cattails were used to create thin vertical rods, which were affixed to the perimeter of an octagonal skylight, creating a chapel with gently undulating walls.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Emergency becomes a standing rationale for centralization.
    Alejandro Reyes, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Coulter, who was not available for an interview after the game, did not play in the first quarter but entered a minute into the second quarter to a standing ovation.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the woman Hernandez became erect while touching her back and stomach, then covered himself with a pillow, the affidavit read.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2026
  • For total protection, erect metal or polypropylene deer fencing around the plant to prevent them from entering.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Perpendicular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpendicular. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on perpendicular

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