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

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 apex If the pass by Jayden Daniels came down a couple of inches lower at the apex of the group leap, Stevenson might have batted it down instead of tipping it straight to the wide-open Noah Brown in the end zone. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2024 This collaborative environment not only nurtures professional development, but also positions workers at the apex of groundbreaking innovations. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 The anemia reached its apex at 5:54 p.m. on a beautiful Baltimore afternoon. Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 24 Aug. 2024 In August, at the exuberant apex of Kamala Harris’s campaign for the presidency, Coates attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a reporter for Vanity Fair. Seyward Darby, Longreads, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apex 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apex
Noun
  • These expressions represent the pinnacle of The Glen Grant's craftsmanship and testify to the distillery's commitment to quality.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The 20th century had seen pure abstraction claimed as visual art’s pinnacle.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Led by experts and experienced moms, the series covers essential tips for what to expect during pregnancy, how to prepare for birth, postpartum care, and the essentials of welcoming a newborn into your life.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • That doesn’t include fuel, berthing, food and drinks or tips.
    Katia Damborsky, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Accommodation in the valley reaches its zenith at Bruma Wine Resort, a masterpiece of sustainable architecture where modernist design meets natural beauty.
    Shelby Knick, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • To that point, the job of an editor has evolved considerably since Graydon Carter, Anna Wintour and Tina Brown created the paradigm in the turn-of-the-century zenith of magazines.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • On the surface, this could mark the end of Baddoo’s tenure with the Tigers.
    Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Controlling Morocco will complete the audacious Chinese plan: The Strait, with Morocco at its southern end, is only eight miles wide.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • In the photo, Gomez, wearing a fuzzy fashion-Yeti top, appears to be admiring her new engagement ring but said nothing about the fast food merch beside her.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 12 Dec. 2024
  • By the time that showdown in Montjuic comes around, bitter rival Real Madrid could be a single point clear at the top of the La Liga table after previously trailing Barca by as many as six.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Dabo Swinney’s team, which handled The Citadel 51-14, should move to the cusp of the top 12 on Tuesday heading into a home showdown with current No. 18 South Carolina (8-3).
    Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
  • The Cincinnati Bearcats open the season in the top 25 and the Xavier Musketeers are right on the cusp of being ranked.
    Jason Hoffman, The Enquirer, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The price of typical luxury hotels and resorts is reaching eye-watering heights.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Her vision for the team is clear: to build a culture of excellence that honors the franchise’s history while pushing it toward new heights.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • On March 1, 2021, the abusive behavior reached its peak, alleges the family.
    Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 8 Dec. 2024
  • That’s still a far cry from the peak of 2011 when there were 212 attacks, the data shows.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN, 6 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Apex.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apex. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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