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

At 6-foot-9, Pete is the tallest player on the team and brings over 2,000 snaps of experience at left tackle. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2026

The Shanghai chapter at the Long Museum features three towering titanium sculptures, over 30 feet tall, symbolizing birth, growth and rebirth. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Johnson is described as a white female, approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and 120 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. — Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 22 July 2026

Both men are officially listed at 6-foot-3, but many online viewers argued Rodri appeared noticeably taller, prompting a fresh round of speculation about the president's height. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 21 July 2026