the highest part or point
- a singer who has reached the pinnacle of success
- acme,
- apex,
- apogee,
- capstone,
- climax,
- crescendo,
- crest,
- crown,
- culmination,
- head,
- height,
- high noon,
- high-water mark,
- meridian,
- ne plus ultra,
- noon,
- noontime,
- peak,
- sum,
- summit,
- tip-top,
- top,
- zenith
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Frequently Asked Questions About pinnacle
How does the noun pinnacle differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of pinnacle are acme, apex, climax, culmination, peak, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.
the pinnacle of worldly success
Where would acme be a reasonable alternative to pinnacle?
Although the words acme and pinnacle have much in common, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.
a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty
When is it sensible to use apex instead of pinnacle?
The meanings of apex and pinnacle largely overlap; however, apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.
the apex of Dutch culture
When could climax be used to replace pinnacle?
The words climax and pinnacle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.
the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions
When is culmination a more appropriate choice than pinnacle?
In some situations, the words culmination and pinnacle are roughly equivalent. However, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.
the culmination of years of effort
When might peak be a better fit than pinnacle?
While the synonyms peak and pinnacle are close in meaning, peak suggests the highest among other high points.
an artist working at the peak of her powers
When can summit be used instead of pinnacle?
The words summit and pinnacle can be used in similar contexts, but summit implies the topmost level attainable.
at the summit of the Victorian social scene
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Time Traveler for pinnacle
The first known use of pinnacle was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century