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

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 vertical Samson Sky is one of a few commercial niche makers of flying cars—including Klein Vision, and PAL-V in Europe and vertical and takeoff and landing (VTOL) air cars from U.S. makers Alef, Doroni, ASKA, and others. —

Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024 For Nest doorbells, open the Google Home app, choose your doorbell and tap the three vertical dots at the top right to find Settings, then Doorbell and Doorbell Theme to select Halloween. —

Simon Hill, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024 This crazy star seems to communicate with a smaller, five-pointed star to its upper right that is mainly light blue, though its loose weave of horizontal and vertical marks also contains other colors. —

Barry Schwabsky, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Horizontal and vertical keystone adjustment is cooked in, along with four-corner and six-point alignment and a bunch of image presets, to help make setup a relatively painless affair. —

Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vertical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical

Adjective

This prompted a standing ovation and choruses of pro-Trump chants.

Charles Duhigg, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024
In the biopic, Jolie, 49, transforms into the late opera singer Maria Callas, and prior to Sunday’s carpet, the mom of six was riding high from Maria garnering strong reviews as well as earning standing ovations at the Venice Film Festival, where Jolie cried, and the Telluride Film Festival.

Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024