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 of vertical in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Recent Examples on the Web Many come with or without backgrounds and in a horizontal or vertical format to suit your setup. Simon Hill, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024 The autofocus delivered a suitably crisp image in my tests, while the horizontal and vertical keystone adjustments didn't always work well. PCMAG, 27 Oct. 2024 The vertical hypotenuse also goes straight through the arbor of the power reserve gauge. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2024 This mirrors the success of vertical SaaS—industry-specific software that consistently outperforms broader solutions—indicating a strategic path where both portfolio companies and the family office’s own internal functions benefit from specialized AI solutions. Francois Botha, Forbes, 27 Oct. 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
Adjective
  • And here's the even weirder part: The direction of this magnetic force, shown by the F arrow below, is perpendicular to the direction of the particle's velocity (qv) and the direction of the magnetic field (B).
    Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
  • Europa Clipper’s radar antenna, which sits perpendicular to the solar wings, adds more size still, rising 57.7 ft. from the body of the spacecraft.
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Sitting at a drafting table, armed with his mighty pencil and backed by the authority and purse of the federal government, Rudolph could wipe away entire neighborhoods, reshape cities, and erect monuments.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Oct. 2024
  • Nearly three decades on, viewers are still baffled by costume designer Jose Fernandez's decision to adhere erect rubber nipples to various costumes.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The dual zipper design opens up the main compartment that is outfitted with additional elastic straps and pockets to hold bottles upright.
    Teddy Minford, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2024
  • The gyroscope steadies the wearer’s hand by countering the motion, like a spinning top trying to keep upright.
    Chris Stokel-Walker, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near vertical

Cite this Entry

“Vertical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertical. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on vertical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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