VERTICAL Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vertical

adjective

ˈvər-ti-kəl

Definition of vertical

as in standing

rising straight up a vertical cliff face

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The duo says techniques like vertical farming and switching to a low- or no-meat diet could reduce water use. — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026 Austin Simmons gives Missouri a new vertical gear One of the most interesting QB moves this offseason, to me, was Missouri signing Austin Simmons from Ole Miss. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 This is because fruit development consumes much of the vine’s energy, so removing the fruit at this point allows the vine’s energy to continue to develop a strong cordon, canes (vertical shoots), and root system. — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026 One Texas company is building vertical solar towers designed to produce more power from a smaller footprint. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vertical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical

Adjective

José Luis Rebordinos’s Swan Song When Rebordinos appeared on stage this July at Madrid’s Academia de Cine to present San Sebastian’s Spanish titles, the industry-press audience got to its feet to a man and woman to deliver him a standing ovation.

— John Hopewell, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
The moment was not lost on the audience who gave the star a standing ovation.

— Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of standing

Adjective

This changes a property called birefringence, where two perpendicular polarizations of light traveling through the same glass experience slightly different refractive indices.

— Pawel Maniewski, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Turn the onion and make ½-inch slices perpendicular to the previous slices (crosswise on the onion).

— Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of perpendicular

Adjective

The hour captures Strings and his four-piece acoustic band — mandolin, upright bass, banjo and fiddle — in classic picking session formation, with a setlist that also includes selections from 2021’s Renewal.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026
Raw fish was stored above the garlic and raw meat stored on top of a closed container with pho inside an upright freezer.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of upright

Browse Nearby Words

vertex

vertical

vertices

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Vertical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertical. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of vertical

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compendious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes