Synonyms of apex

apex

noun

ˈā-ˌpeks 

1

as in pinnacle

the highest part or point

she reached the apex of fame, only to find it wasn't what she expected

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pinnacle
• zenith
• top
• height
• peak
• culmination
• climax
• crest
• apogee
• summit
• crown
• acme
• crescendo
• meridian
• sum
• capstone
• noon
• head
• high-water mark
• highlight
• tip-top
• high noon
• noontime
• prime
• ne plus ultra
• flower
• roof
• ceiling
• glory
• heyday
• extremity
• tip
• blossom
• flood tide
• cap
• bloom
• vertex
• extreme
• high
• highspot

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bottom
• base
• foot
• nadir
• minimum
• rock bottom
• abyss

2

as in tip

the last and usually sharp or tapering part of something long and narrow

the apex of the spear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tip
• end
• cusp
• nose
• point
• pike
• nib
• sticker
• tine
• spike
• barb
• prong
• pinpoint
• snag
• prickle
• jag

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

Recent Examples of apex

Tens of millions of years ago, an apex predator resembling a giant crocodile stalked the humid freshwater floodplains of southern Patagonia. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2025

Serial killers are, after all, apex predators, Prater reminds her. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025

The findings indicate that as carbon dioxide emissions continue to drive ocean acidification, the health of sharks' teeth could be compromised—posing a threat to the survival of even these apex predators. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

But while the world’s largest esports tournament approached its apex, another major event in the Saudi capital was happening nearby. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2025

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