Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective tall contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and lofty are common synonyms of tall. While all three words mean "above the average in height," tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

When can high be used instead of tall?

Although the words high and tall have much in common, high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level.

a high hill
a high ceiling

When would lofty be a good substitute for tall?

While in some cases nearly identical to tall, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

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 tall Over-the-sink dish racks with an adjustable height work to fit sinks with the tallest faucets. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025 History of hurricane names A tall, stammering meteorologist arrived at the 19th-century lecture hall with his papers falling around him. Tom Brown, Space.com, 29 June 2025 Her presence on the floor presents as another tall obstacle for opposing teams to deal with. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025 Keep a distance from tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tall
Adjective
  • Net profit slumped 11% in 2024 to 2.3 billion baht ($71 million) while revenue stagnated at 33 billion baht amid weak consumer spending and higher costs related to distribution, staffing and store openings.
    Gloria Haraito, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Key stat Muncy tied his career high with seven RBIs.
    Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.
    Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
  • Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, who represents R. Kelly, told Fox News Digital that jurors, just like anyone else, have a difficult time separating emotions from charges.
    Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker combined to give this women’s basketball franchise an undeniable and towering allure, with three championship banners (2001, 2002, 2016) in the rafters.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Better yet, head to the east side of the park to Two Medicine Valley, which is full of trails leading to ice-blue backcountry lakes and towering peaks.
    Graham Averill, Outside Online, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As such, piloting an FPV drone is a completely different, entirely more challenging kettle of fish than piloting a standard camera drone.
    Sam Kieldsen, Wired News, 27 June 2025
  • All of these factors combine to make AI adoption incredibly challenging, expensive and time-consuming.
    Dave Friend, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Nor is anything that tough necessary to prevent chronic illness.
    Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • Die-hard Chiefs fan Paul Rudd was on the field before the game, sporting a big smile and a team jersey.
    Andrew Dalton, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • But Martone is one of the very best prospects in this draft and gives the Flyers size, high-end skill (he’s got plus traits as a shooter, handler and playmaker), and a formidable one-two punch at right wing with Matvei Michkov.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The actress portrayed formidable sensei Kim Da-Eun on the Netflix series that ended in February after six seasons.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • She’s also developed a rigorous skincare routine because her treatments leave her with chemotherapy rash.
    Jillian Frankel, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • Every checking account review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products.
    Mia Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tall. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tall

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