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 vehicle, known as an eVTOL aircraft, carries two passengers and uses electric power for vertical take-off and landing, similar to a helicopter. Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2025 The tall vertical frame comes with four stakes to keep it stable. Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 18 May 2025 With a flattering mix of horizontal and vertical lines, this maxi brings just enough visual interest to feel elevated. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025 Shop pretty and practical options to help your vegetable plants, various herbs, and seasonal blooms flourish, including ceramic pots, stackable vertical planters, and rustic whiskey barrel pots. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vertical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical
Adjective
  • Later, Lawrence received a standing ovation following the screening of Ramsay’s film, which is based on author Ariana Harwicz’s 2017 book of the same name.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 18 May 2025
  • You're supposed to get in a standing van so your dress didn't wrinkle.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, sitting catty-corner with the original Courrèges store on a shopping street perpendicular to luxury shopping artery Avenue Montaigne and a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, the store is ideally placed to draw a more international clientele to Molli’s doorstep.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • With Earth’s axis perpendicular to the sun, a unique interaction between solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere weakens Earth’s magnetic field slightly.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the proceeding years, visitors who wanted to spend the night in the park could rent houseboats, erect tents, or park their camper vans or RVs, but the nearest hotel was located about an hour away in Florida City.
    Mariette Williams, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Salvia nemorosa Sun Exposure: Full sun Soil Type: Dry to medium, well-draining, average Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-6.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8 The erect flower spikes of meadow sage add dramatic texture and contrast to rose bushes.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Cadence capsules are leakproof and TSA-compliant, and an organizer keeps everything upright.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • Lights inside the three-door upright roller were inoperable.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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