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

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 perpendicular Behind the dark heap is a chair in a strange position, perpendicular to a table on which sits a large microwave oven, as if someone had been listening to it, with an ear pressed against it, like a radio. —

Annie Ernaux, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024 Keeping your screwdriver or screw bit perpendicular to the screw head will also help. —

Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024 Courtesy of Rhett Allain The angle at which the light hits the panel, θ, is measured from a line perpendicular to the surface. —

Rhett Allain, WIRED, 26 July 2024 Though military officers typically wore their bicorne hats front to back, with the wings perpendicular to their shoulders, Napoleon began wearing his sideways, with the wings parallel to his shoulders. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for perpendicular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpendicular

Adjective

The vertical stitching looks clean and elegant, and is meant to prevent wrinkles.

Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 18 Nov. 2024
According to one rule-of-thumb, men with a vertical greater than 20 inches and women with a vertical greater than 14 inches are likely to be predominantly fast-twitch.

Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 12 Nov. 2024