TALL Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

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

The words high and lofty are common synonyms of tall . While all three words mean "above the average in height," tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness. // a tall thin man

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

Although the words high and tall have much in common, 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 would 'lofty' be a good substitute for 'tall'?

While in some cases nearly identical to tall , lofty suggests great or imposing altitude. // lofty mountain peaks

tall

adjective

ˈtȯl

Definition of tall next

as in high

extending to a great distance upward tall skyscrapers that cast long shadows over the park

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort that's a pretty tall order

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective tall contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and lofty are common synonyms of tall. While all three words mean "above the average in height," tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

When can high be used instead of tall?

Although the words high and tall have much in common, 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 would lofty be a good substitute for tall?

While in some cases nearly identical to tall, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

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 tall But that doesn’t change the tall task ahead for the No. 4 seed Sun Devils, who will face the No. 5 seed Longhorns on Wednesday in the Peach Bowl. —

Doug Haller, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025 Standing at five feet tall, Lee isn't easily intimidated by the historically male-run auto industry. —

Monique Wilson, Glamour, 31 Dec. 2024 Gold Rush is home to the tallest Michigan indoor waterslide, the Rustler's Gulch. —

Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 26 Dec. 2024 Built in 1736 and considered the state’s tallest, the lighthouse is a hefty climb at 178 steps. —

Judy Garrison, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tall

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tall

Adjective

The Dow ended higher by 339.86 points, or 0.8%, at 42,732.13.

Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2025
With an extremely high price tag and complicated construction processes, governments are reluctant to invest in such a risky and long-term project.

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025