PERPENDICULAR Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'perpendicular' differ from other similar words?

The words plumb and vertical are common synonyms of perpendicular . While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one. // the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

Q: When is 'plumb' a more appropriate choice than 'perpendicular'?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpendicular , plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity. // make sure that the wall is plumb

Q: When is it sensible to use 'vertical' instead of 'perpendicular'?

While the synonyms vertical and perpendicular are close in meaning, vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith. // the side of the cliff is almost vertical

perpendicular

adjective

ˌpər-pən-ˈdi-kyə-lər

Definition of perpendicular next

as in vertical

rising straight up river rafters staring awestruck at the canyon's nearly perpendicular cliffs

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How does the adjective perpendicular differ from other similar words?

The words plumb and vertical are common synonyms of perpendicular. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one.

the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

When is plumb a more appropriate choice than perpendicular?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpendicular, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

When is it sensible to use vertical instead of perpendicular?

While the synonyms vertical and perpendicular are close in meaning, vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

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 perpendicular However, when the researchers placed LED lights in striped patterns across the decoys, perpendicular to the direction of motion, the results show that the sharks saw the decoys but stopped attacking them. —

Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 Because Mercury spins on an axis with a miniscule tilt of just 0.01 degrees—almost perpendicular to its plane of orbit around the sun—the rims of all four of these polar craters cast permanent shadows within their depths. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025 That’s leading to the creation of mountain waves, which arise when strong winds blow perpendicular to a mountain range. —

Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025 If the area surrounding your fireplace is large or wide open, consider creating conversation zones, pairing two chairs in one section and a set of perpendicular sofas on the other. —

Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for perpendicular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpendicular

Adjective

Established in 1940, the ski area — with two main chairlifts, 500 acres and a 1,000-foot vertical drop — gets 500 inches of snow on average annually.

— Elaine Glusac, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Imagine a soaring cathedral reaching towards a vast skylight but re-imagined with layers of architectural rings that gradually ascend, creating a dizzying illusion of immense vertical distance and distorted perspective.

— Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025