Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vertical differ from other similar words?

The words perpendicular and plumb are common synonyms of vertical. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

When could perpendicular be used to replace vertical?

The words perpendicular and vertical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one.

the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

When is it sensible to use plumb instead of vertical?

While the synonyms plumb and vertical are close in meaning, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

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 vertical These 100% cotton napkins have a bit of texture and detail added through vertical ribbon seams. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025 The bullish debit vertical spread successfully captured the upside to a new 52-week high as sentiment improved around Gilead’s strengthening HIV franchise and expanding oncology portfolio. Tony Zhang, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025 Thus far, 10 have been inspected from a site at the north end of SONGS that holds the canisters in vertical cavities. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Oct. 2025 The living and dining areas are open to one another, with support columns and vertical screening in between. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vertical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical
Adjective
  • Abrego Garcia, currently in immigration custody, became a symbol of the administration’s hardline deportation policies after courts ruled his initial expulsion to El Salvador violated a standing order.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Keeping your core engaged and a soft bend in your standing knee, hinge forward from your hips while lifting your left leg straight behind you.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Slice against that, perpendicular to the lines, to shorten the muscle fibers.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • If the silica is perpendicular, photons arrive together.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • People erect and decorate ofrendas (offerings) with pictures and mementos of loved ones.
    Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Many use social media to call for an end to the violence, then erect memorials at the site of the shooting.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An additional photo shows a low shelter, barely tall enough to sit upright, covered in foliage camouflaging the family’s location.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Plants bloom well in shady locations and fill the late-summer gap with narrow, upright panicles packed with white or pink blooms.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vertical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertical. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vertical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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