Synonyms of vertical

vertical

adjective

ˈvər-ti-kəl 

as in standing

rising straight up

a vertical cliff face

Synonyms & Similar Words

• standing
• perpendicular
• erect
• upright
• plumb
• lifted
• raised
• upstanding
• stand-up
• elevated
• upraised
• freestanding
• upended
• stand-alone
• semierect

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flat
• recumbent
• diagonal
• prostrate
• supine
• hanging
• slant
• slanted
• sagging
• slanting
• slanty

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

Recent Examples of vertical

The critter's stint on the vertical rail also earned tons of ribbing on social media, with many of Subway Creatures’ 3 million followers weighing in on the rare — and, according to commenters, raunchy — subway scene. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025

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

With more than 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, 2,900 feet of skiable vertical descent, and a 10-acre terrain park, there's something for every level here, with 13 lifts spread across three peaks (the region receives 23 feet of snowfall annually). —Jennifer Malloy, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2025