LOFTY Synonyms: 297 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'lofty' contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and tall are common synonyms of lofty . While all three words mean "above the average in height," lofty suggests great or imposing altitude. // lofty mountain peaks

Q: When might 'high' be a better fit than 'lofty'?

The meanings of high and lofty largely overlap; however, 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

Q: When can 'tall' be used instead of 'lofty'?

Although the words tall and lofty have much in common, tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness. // a tall thin man

lofty

adjective

ˈlȯf-tē

Definition of lofty next

as in tall

extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she acts all lofty and superior just because she went to an Ivy League college

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as in proud

having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself his lofty attitude toward menial chores really rankles the other camp counselors

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as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature remained true to the cause's lofty ideals, regardless of the changing winds of popular opinion

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as in eloquent

very dignified in form, tone, or style the lofty nature of the coronation ceremony

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lofty contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and tall are common synonyms of lofty. While all three words mean "above the average in height," lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might high be a better fit than lofty?

The meanings of high and lofty largely overlap; however, 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

When can tall be used instead of lofty?

Although the words tall and lofty have much in common, tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

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 lofty Yet the real-life burning of Los Angeles includes privileged-class Californians who suffer the lofty indifference of social misgovernment. —

Armond White, National Review, 31 Jan. 2025 Some point to lofty valuations, others say profit booking as reasons behind the slide. —

Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025 To bring this lofty figure back on earth and understand how that movement was developed. —

William Earl, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025 As long as the war in Ukraine grinds on and Iran’s acrimonious relations with the West persist, driving a wedge between Russia and Iran will be a lofty challenge. —

Nicole Grajewski, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lofty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty

Adjective

Academy sources — who, like all those cited in this piece, spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect their position — highlight Asencio’s impressive turn of pace and his aerial ability, despite not being the tallest defender at 6ft (184cm).

— Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
Ponies usually don't get any taller than 58 inches at the withers, while horses go well beyond that.

— Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025