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
• intricate
• uphill
• effortful
• killer
• strenuous
• complex
• murderous
• arduous
• hairy
• herculean
• laborious
• testing
• painful
• exhausting
• exacting
• grueling
• backbreaking
• toilsome
• pick-and-shovel
• stubborn
• serious
• elusive
• gruelling
• spiny
• annoying
• problematic
• tight
• problematical
• thorny
• opaque
• abstract
• knotty
• oppressive
• bruising
• hellacious
• grim
• tricky
• moiling
• strict
• involved
• ticklish
• insoluble
• burdensome
• troublesome
• brutal
• abstruse
• labored
• trying
• 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 one point, the smoke from the homes was so thick and tall that it could be seen by air traffic controllers at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, about two miles away, Guzman said. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

The gear is museum-worthy – muskets longer than men are tall, coats ranging from rich brocade to dun homespun. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025

The suspect was described as a man about 6 feet tall who had his face covered. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2025

Tucker is 6 feet tall, the average height of newborn calves after birth. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025