pinnacle

Synonym Chooser

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

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 pinnacle For nearly six decades, The North Face has been synonymous with the pinnacle of outdoor performance. Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 The film begins with archival footage of the groundbreaking of Vienna’s InterContinental Hotel, once considered the pinnacle of European luxury. Leila Latif, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2025 The pinnacles seem endless yet no two are exactly the same — like fossilized snowflakes. Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025 The week was capped off on Sunday with the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, one of the pinnacle classic and antique car shows in the world. Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pinnacle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinnacle
Noun
  • The speakers and attendees outlined their vision for the world at a time when national conservatism has reached its zenith of influence.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
  • These continued every few days for the better part of the next year, one Bowyer would look back on as a personal and professional zenith.
    DAVID AMSDEN, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • One is the continued dominance of Argentina, 10 points clear at the top with one round of matches remaining.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • An adjustable buckle across the top keeps them in place, and their closed-toe design helps keep feet warm as temperatures get colder.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The peak of hurricane season is here, and activity could soon ramp up, despite the relative quiet currently occurring in the tropics, according to meteorologists.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The roller coaster kept climbing higher and dropping lower until a decade and a half ago, when the film and TV star hit a new peak, then imploded.
    Oren Peleg, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For Ethiopia the unveiling of the 74-billion cubic meter dam, which has been 14 years in the making and cost $5 billion, was the culmination of a dream and proved the East African nation the winner in a bitter diplomatic battle over its construction.
    Kate Bartlett, NPR, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Both her book and her broader platform reflect the culmination of years spent recognizing women’s struggles, listening deeply to their stories, and guiding them toward empowerment and transformation.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Heeled mules are the ideal way to take both your style and your feet (literally) to new heights.
    Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Recently, however, both teams have elevated themselves to greater heights.
    Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The most challenging accusations reach the libertarian administration's apex—the Mileis themselves.
    Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Liverpool are simply higher up the food chain — although the apex predator remains Real Madrid, who captured Trent Alexander-Arnold from Anfield earlier in the summer.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pinnacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinnacle. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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