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 And Jaylen Wright, who is supposed to be the tailback who complements Achane, is only an inch taller, and 17 pounds heavier. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025 Boyes estimates from one set of markings that the elephant stands at least 11 feet tall. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025 Clover was 35 feet and 9 inches, 5 feet taller than the previous world record holder in Germany. Christine Fernando, Twin Cities, 12 Sep. 2025 The biggest is a rooftop pool, 50 feet long and 25 feet wide, with a 24-foot tall jumbotron. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tall
Adjective
  • However, the AmCham Shanghai survey found 14% of the respondents reported the environment for foreign businesses in China was worsening, with the tech sector seeing the highest challenges at 31% of industry respondents.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ncell, Nepal’s second-largest telecommunications service provider, noted that shutting down all platforms at once was, in any case, technically difficult and warned that the move would severely impact business.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Last summer, after years of hip problems and some difficult surgeries to address them, Jill had an operation that went poorly.
    Bianca Bosker, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At a time when most goalies were under 6 feet, Dryden was a towering 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, but still had nimble feet to dance around the net and kick pucks into the corners.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Here, Ne Zha 2 succeeds wildly; locales such as a heavenly city made entirely of jade and a towering, bamboo-verdant waterfall are rendered with genuinely beautiful texture and detail.
    Derek Robertson, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • To be sure, the last few years have been more challenging, with Gucci rapidly losing momentum — and Kering’s debt load swelling after an acquisition spree that included Creed, Maui Jim, a 30 percent stake in Valentino, and large chunks of prime real estate.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Ultimately, gig engineering is becoming an attractive but challenging path.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The backcourt duo of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, also known as the StudBudz, are shifty, tough shot-making guards who can get hot in a hurry.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • And that’s tough on those guys.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Consider how closed captioning, originally developed for deaf and hard-of-hearing users, now benefits millions in noisy environments or when audio isn't available.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Just hard to think that’ll happen coming off the Jacksonville blowout.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
  • On paper, the American team looked formidable, boasting Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and other stars.
    Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For the next six years, Kira endured a rigorous drug treatment regime and was frequently in and out of hospitals.
    Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025
  • During a break in the rigorous shooting schedule for the limited series, which also stars Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden, Partridge was able to squeeze in the trip with old college friends.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tall. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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