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

For gardeners, spires of tiny purple flowers growing on tall, lush green stems appear in late spring and last through fall. —Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 10 June 2026

Together, taller buildings and faster transit transformed places that were once a mix of residential, business, religion and society to almost exclusively hubs of commerce and government. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

In the plaza’s place, Amwins headquarters will be 15 stories tall, split into nine floors of office space and six levels of parking. —Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

Plans show construction will require multiple cranes up to 320 feet tall. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 10 June 2026