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

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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 Backers of electric WIGs view them as a more-practical alternative to eVTOLs, or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, which face major adoption barriers due to operational constraints and regulatory challenges. — IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2026 The aircraft uses electric propulsion and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026 Prior to 2026, most folding phones opted for a tall-and-narrow shape to optimize for using vertical apps on the cover screen. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 Who, by the way, require a specific fence of seven-to-nine feet high to overcome their vertical leap. — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vertical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical

Adjective

The Russian star's two kids handled that announcement, and the crowd gave a standing ovation.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026
Those who want could turn the pickup bed area into a sleeping space or leave it open as a sheltered space with full standing height.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of standing

Adjective

This creates a small voltage, which is perpendicular to the direction of the electrical current’s flow, across the conductor.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
The vehicle was stopped for a few minutes perpendicular to a snowy residential Minneapolis street, obstructing the flow of traffic.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of perpendicular

Adjective

Church officials say the new burial plots would be designed to blend into the landscape, with flat, ground-level markers rather than traditional upright headstones.

— Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
The master bedroom is nearby and has enough headroom to stand upright thanks to its position on the ground floor.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of upright

Browse Nearby Words

vertex

vertical

vertices

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

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Synonyms of vertical

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