Synonyms of tall

tall

adjective

ˈtȯl 

1

as in high

extending to a great distance upward

tall skyscrapers that cast long shadows over the park

Synonyms & Similar Words

• high
• towering
• lofty
• dominant
• prominent
• altitudinous
• eminent
• statuesque
• elevated
• dominating
• lifted
• uplifted
• upswept
• high-rise
• raised

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• short
• low
• squat
• flat
• stubby
• low-lying
• stumpy

2

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

that's a pretty tall order

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• challenging
• tough
• hard
• formidable
• rigorous
• heavy
• demanding
• rugged
• complicated
• rough
• sweaty
• severe
• stiff
• uphill
• intricate
• effortful
• killer
• strenuous
• complex
• murderous
• arduous
• hairy
• herculean
• laborious
• testing
• exacting
• painful
• exhausting
• grueling
• backbreaking
• toilsome
• pick-and-shovel
• stubborn
• serious
• elusive
• spiny
• annoying
• problematic
• tight
• thorny
• opaque
• abstract
• knotty
• oppressive
• bruising
• hellacious
• tricky
• moiling
• grim
• strict
• involved
• ticklish
• insoluble
• burdensome
• troublesome
• brutal
• abstruse
• trying
• labored
• Augean
• recondite
• stressful
• stringent
• onerous
• bothersome
• vexatious
• irksome
• cruel
• taxing
• distressing
• inhuman
• grievous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• light
• simple
• soft
• easy
• cheap
• clear
• manageable
• undemanding
• elementary
• facile
• effortless
• smooth
• achievable
• mindless
• uncomplicated
• gentle
• doable
• comforting
• relaxed
• soothing
• friendly
• painless
• accessible
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

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

Recent Examples of tall

The towering megarocket stands at nearly 400 feet (121 meters) tall and, with the debut of Version 3, packs around 18 million pounds of force at liftoff. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

From there, the 165-foot-tall lander will carry two crew members down to the surface, landing vertically near the moon's south pole. — William Harwood, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

The rocket of the future Starship stands 407 feet (124 meters) tall and can haul more than 110 tons (100 metric tons) to Earth orbit, according to its SpaceX specs page. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 Sep. 2026

SpaceX has launched its Starship spacecraft from the company's Starbase facility from Boca Chica Beach in Texas, on a critical test flight that sent the 171-foot-tall vehicle into orbit for the first time. — Brendan Byrne, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026