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 Rather than vertical hierarchies, GCCs are enabling cross-disciplinary development in AI engineering, platform design and product strategy, fostering innovation through integrated teams. 2. Gaurav Aggarwal, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 The fit-and-flare midi dress is crafted from cotton denim and accented with vertical seams and contrasting stitching. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 June 2025 His elite athletic testing at the combine — 37-inch vertical, elite shuttle run score — suggests there is more to be mined on that end. Eric Nehm, New York Times, 18 June 2025 The hard wax formula, combined with a properly sized wick, helps ensure a clean, drip-free burn (as long as the candle stays upright and vertical). Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for vertical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical
Adjective
  • His condemnation of authoritarianism electrified the audience, earning a standing ovation and setting a reflective tone that remained all week.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • Legislative leaders began the session by talking tough about reining in the industry, receiving standing ovations in the House and Senate.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Dragonflies hold their wings perpendicular to their bodies, while a damselfly’s wings point straight back, parallel to its body.
    Carl R. Gold, Baltimore Sun, 8 June 2025
  • The action moves from the scarred beach to a quarry where a rock wall is detonated, to liberate mighty boulders of granite that will eventually be placed perpendicular to the shoreline, reaching out into the ocean.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Plants add stunning texture and shining color to the garden with metallic, lavender-blue bracts surrounding flowers that stand erect on purple stems.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 June 2025
  • Carlin said, as soldiers need to guide their horses while keeping erect posture.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The vacuum even converts from an upright model into a handheld that makes jobs like removing pet hair from furniture, crumbs from car seats, and more so much easier.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • Pictures of the remains show the skeleton in an upright position, still retaining dark brown hair.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vertical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertical. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vertical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!