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

In Barcelona, Leo will be on hand to mark the 100th anniversary, on June 10, of the death of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who designed Sagrada Familia, the world’s tallest church. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

The robot, named Gabi, stood 130 centimeters tall and was dressed in traditional brown Buddhist robes. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026

And the kids will be impressed by the four-foot-tall, 2,200-gallon koi fish tank in the resort’s lobby. —Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 May 2026

The world’s second-tallest tsunami wave on record tore through the remote Tracy Arm fjord in Alaska last August, leaving immense destruction in its wake. —Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 6 May 2026