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 Also under Biden, the Federal Trade Commission has increased its scrutiny of both horizontal and vertical hospital mergers, but this has had limited effects and is largely after-the-fact, as the industry has already undergone significant consolidation. —

Guian McKee / Made By History, TIME, 29 Dec. 2024 Now that social media has engulfed culture, pop songs are teased as snippets, mined for the briefest hooks and effects, choreographed for vertical screens and pitched as the latest plot twist in a performer’s continuing, open-ended reality series, otherwise known as a career. —

Jon Pareles, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024 Data from Flightradar24 showed its vertical speed fluctuated over 100 times in the last 74 minutes of the flight. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024 This time of year, they are decorated with ornamental globes, while the surrounding fences of vertical wooden slats are festooned with white Christmas lights. —

Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vertical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical

Adjective

The majority of boards will add third-party or supply chain risk as a standing agenda item.

Jeffrey Wheatman, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The School for Creative & Performing Arts alum performed onstage with yeti-like background dancers and eventually got a standing ovation from the panel of judges.

Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 19 Dec. 2024