Definition of tallnext

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 Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026 Texas restaurants are a big winner from the FIFA World Cup, as visitors fill social media with dozens of photos of giant barbecue platters, tall frozen margaritas and anything from Buc-ees. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026 The Tallerboy is a taller-than-a-tallboy canister that stores three regular Coors Light cans inside one oversized container. Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 17 June 2026 Frohock is described as a white man standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs about 150 lbs. Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tall
Adjective
  • Beren has achived high ratings from customers since moving into a stylish dining room that was formerly a vegetarian fine-dining restaurant.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026
  • When nutrient levels are high, feasting algae can quickly reproduce.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The verdict was delivered amid difficult personal circumstances for Mette-Marit, Hoiby’s mother, who needs a lung transplant for pulmonary fibrosis.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • Otherwise, those prospects start becoming large contracts that stand more difficult to move or aggregate.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • The center includes a towering museum, a Chicago Public Library branch, an athletic center, a civic center and more.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • A little while later, Mitchell Robinson passed in his towering, custom truck.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The agreement calls for an immediate end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and sets out expectations for the next phase of talks, which will tackle more challenging issues, mainly the future of Iran's nuclear program.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • This creates a particularly challenging environment for those working in contributor welfare.
    Emma Pringle, Deadline, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • McIlroy bogeyed 18 to finish at one under, squarely in the hunt, considering the tough conditions limited scoring.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026
  • Parker, a former Eagles assistant, has risen quickly through the NFL coaching ranks and now faces a tough task with a roster full of new faces and high expectations.
    Briana Aldridge, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Atlas Lions also frustrated their Scottish foes with their physicality, taking down Christie, McTominay and others with a series of hard challenges that did not draw whistles.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
  • The Cardinals had rallied for three runs in the ninth, and Jose Fermin hit a hard grounder to Tolbert’s left.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • More than 30 years ago, Anna and her manager and trusted companion, Betsy Samson (a formidable Denise Burse), fled to Europe on the heels of a highbrow scandal.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Sure, Carpenter’s cut-the-ruggers are pizzazzing with their flips and cartwheels, but the Grande gang make formidable dance foes in the Sharks and Jets sense of the word.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is why getting a high-definition picture of a leader — through rigorous assessment, psychometric profiling, structured reference gathering, and behavioural history — is not an optional extra in the selection process.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Every gas article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Tall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tall. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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