Synonym Chooser

How does the noun apex differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of apex are acme, climax, culmination, peak, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When might acme be a better fit than apex?

While the synonyms acme and apex are close in meaning, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would climax be a reasonable alternative to apex?

In some situations, the words climax and apex are roughly equivalent. However, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When could culmination be used to replace apex?

The meanings of culmination and apex largely overlap; however, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When is peak a more appropriate choice than apex?

The words peak and apex can be used in similar contexts, but peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

In what contexts can pinnacle take the place of apex?

The synonyms pinnacle and apex are sometimes interchangeable, but pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

When would summit be a good substitute for apex?

The words summit and apex are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

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 apex For comedian Iliza Shlesinger, crafting a special is an intensive and lengthy process with one clear apex: the taping. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 June 2025 Like in Mario Kart 8, executing a taunt (with the drift button) at the apex of a ramp will let players get a little speed boost. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2025 Menswear, particularly suited looks, for women reached an apex between 2024 and 2025. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 4 June 2025 In the end, the protest arguably reached its apex not on the grounds of the school but on national television. John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for apex
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apex
Noun
  • As far back as a decade ago, when Villeneuve was on the promotion trail for Sicario, the Canadian said that action is art — and Bond is the very pinnacle of the genre.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Whether your passion is for Oregon’s superlative Pinot noir or California’s world-class Bordeaux blends, these wines are truly at the pinnacle of American winemaking.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Moving further north Florida is one of the only places the subtropical fruit grows in the United States and groves cover more than 1000 acres across the state, most of them in the southern tip of the state.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • Experts recommended several tips to help older adults stay safe during extreme heat.
    Julia Ries, Health, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Over the course of a year, the true sun will move a distance in the sky equal to twice Earth’s tilt, or about 47 degrees (compared with the 90-degree angle from the horizon to the zenith, directly overhead).
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 5 June 2025
  • The red giant star Arcturus can also be found shining high above the moon close to the zenith (the point in the sky directly above an observer) on the night of June 5, while Mars will be visible in the west as a red point of light close to the kingly star Regulus, in the constellation Leo.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The New Zealand team Auckland City began the Club World Cup as the tournament’s fall guys, losing 10-0 against the German champions Bayern Munich, but by the end of the group stage, the semi-professional outfit earned respect by holding Boca Juniors to a draw.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • The Chicago Cubs need to add pitching, or all their efforts will be for nothing at the end of the season.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s something uniquely elegant about a sporty jacket with a stand collar or funnel neck zipped right to the top, with material slightly shrouding the chin.
    Alice Cary, Vogue, 16 June 2025
  • Drop to your knees, rolling to the top of your knees to protect your knee caps.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Where to Stay The Hedges Inn The owners of The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach have refreshed The Hedges Inn, a beloved landmark right on the cusp of East Hampton town.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 13 June 2025
  • Think about last year’s BYU team that went 10-2 but didn’t have a chance at an at-large bid while three loss SEC teams like Alabama, Ole Miss and South Carolina were right on the cusp of getting into the field.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • The issue is that BMI measures health risk by calculating height and weight.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 24 June 2025
  • With production reaching new heights, quality control will become harder to manage and more important.
    Bill Rokos, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • In a statement, the department said that the tornado had peak winds of 105 mph that ravaged through many structures and trees.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • Located in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apex. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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