high 1 of 3

1
as in tall
extending to a great distance upward as the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest is mountaineering's holy grail

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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high

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noun

high

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adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective high contrast with its synonyms?

The words lofty and tall are common synonyms of high. While all three words mean "above the average in height," high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level.

a high hill
a high ceiling

In what contexts can lofty take the place of high?

Although the words lofty and high have much in common, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might tall be a better fit than high?

The words tall and high can be used in similar contexts, but tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

Examples 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 high
Adjective
The United States has one of the world's highest rates of firearms deaths outside a war zone. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 Shares closed on Wednesday at 1,601 yen, higher than the offer price of 1,455 yen per share, which was the midpoint of its IPO price band ranging from 1,390-1,520 yen. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
The economy has remained remarkably resilient even though the Fed held its main interest rate at a two-decade high for a while before beginning to cut rates in September. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 The economy has remained remarkably resilient even though the Fed held its main interest rate at a two-decade high for a while before beginning to cut them in September. CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024
Adverb
The shoes, with a pointed toe and sturdy block heel, highlighted Blige’s consistent preference for high-reaching footwear — a style that has become synonymous with her public appearances. Ty Gaskins, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024 Consider more traditional white-collar jobs, highlighted by Indeed, for high-paying non-degree opportunities: Product Manager (average salary $105K), Senior Engagement Manager (average salary of $97K) or Senior Real Estate Manager ($133K per year, on average). Chris Westfall, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for high 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high
Adjective
  • In the photos, the couple can be seen on the roof of a tall building in front of a colorful flower arch featuring roses, sunflowers, and greenery.
    Tabitha Parent, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
  • These tall, slender plants are easily maintained in a compact form.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Not only due to the increased and amazing visual fidelity on display, which makes a huge difference towards the end of the film, but also all the extras and trinkets this set comes with.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
  • Here's everything to know about SpaceX's Starship plans and what increased testing may mean: A year in space exploration:From Starship tests to Starliner woes, recapping biggest missions of 2024 When is the next Starship test?
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, his wife, The Substance’s Qualley, 30, looked elevated and sleek in a maroon coat and black tights.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 28 Dec. 2024
  • With his health and innings re-established, Severino thinks there’s more in the tank, notably how to bring back an elevated strikeout rate.
    Tim Britton, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • When these interact with hot water, they can get released into the tea and end up being drunk.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Fruit flies sing, get drunk and can be kept awake with caffeine, suggesting even more similarities between their brains and ours.
    Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The least expensive gas is in Georgia’s northern neighbor.
    Kim Jarrett | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Dec. 2024
  • In her youth, Susan’s hair was the stuff of legend: that elusive strawberry blonde shade that usually requires an expensive colorist's help.
    Monica Ainley, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This season of sweet treats is a great time to make a fast snack that’s delicious and full of nutrients like protein, potassium, magnesium and iron.
    Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024
  • This is also a great time to ask their preferences on a midweek linen restock or launder.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons (commonly known as ACNH) is our top pick.
    Sarah Felbin, SELF, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Streaming on Prime Entertainment & Arts Best of 2024: Our picks for the top TV shows, movies, music, books, art and theater Dec. 9, 2024 15.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • North Korean propaganda material released by state media this year has shown Kim overseeing special operations training marked by extreme displays of strength, including the smashing of cinder blocks over the ripped torsos of soldiers stripped to the waist.
    Yoonjung Seo, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Frank Grillo, who’s at the center of it (playing a ripped bruiser who is also…a molecular biologist!), has a way of making any pulp movie better.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near high

Cite this Entry

“High.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

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