VERTICAL Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

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

The words perpendicular and plumb are common synonyms of vertical . While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith. // the side of the cliff is almost vertical

Q: When could 'perpendicular' be used to replace 'vertical'?

The words perpendicular and vertical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 it sensible to use 'plumb' instead of 'vertical'?

While the synonyms plumb and vertical are close in meaning, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity. // make sure that the wall is plumb

vertical

adjective

ˈvər-ti-kəl

Definition of vertical next

as in standing

rising straight up a vertical cliff face

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vertical differ from other similar words?

The words perpendicular and plumb are common synonyms of vertical. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

When could perpendicular be used to replace vertical?

The words perpendicular and vertical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 it sensible to use plumb instead of vertical?

While the synonyms plumb and vertical are close in meaning, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

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 vertical The Placer County Fire Department said crews, with the help of the Auburn City Fire Department, responded to a medical rescue on Feb. 10, for a 16-year-old boy who was stuck in a vertical mine shaft nearly 50 feet deep. —

Greg Wehner, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025 In the past six months alone, EMPIRE has expanded into Australia, East Asia and South Africa and completed the acquisition of Top Drawer Merch to bring another monetization vertical into the fold for its artists. —

Dan Rys, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025 While each system may look a little different—Cadillac and Buick have wide, curved screens while Chevrolet’s screens have dual components and GMCs are vertical—all have essentially the same great function. —

Scotty Reiss, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025 As photographed by Austin Shelton, the widescreen images — and even the vertical TikTok videos braided alongside — convey a hopeful vision of their future, more fresh start than elegy. —

Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vertical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical

Adjective

The announcements of performances from The Backstreet Boys and Bad Bunny also led to immediate standing ovations.

— Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
Yet All received rapturous standing ovations on Thursday, Feb. 13, when the musical opened at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City after a run last spring at La Jolla Playhouse.

— Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025