PEAK Synonyms: 109 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'peak' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of peak are acme , apex , climax , culmination , pinnacle , and summit . While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," peak suggests the highest among other high points. // an artist working at the peak of her powers

Q: When could 'acme' be used to replace 'peak'?

Although the words acme and peak have much in common, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing. // a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Q: Where would 'apex' be a reasonable alternative to 'peak'?

The words apex and peak can be used in similar contexts, but apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge. // the apex of Dutch culture

Q: When might 'climax' be a better fit than 'peak'?

While in some cases nearly identical to peak , climax implies the highest point in an ascending series. // the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

Q: When is 'culmination' a more appropriate choice than 'peak'?

While the synonyms culmination and peak are close in meaning, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective. // the culmination of years of effort

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pinnacle' instead of 'peak'?

The words pinnacle and peak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height. // the pinnacle of worldly success

Q: In what contexts can 'summit' take the place of 'peak'?

In some situations, the words summit and peak are roughly equivalent. However, summit implies the topmost level attainable. // at the summit of the Victorian social scene

peak 1 of 2

noun

ˈpēk

Definition of peak next

as in mountain

an elevation of land higher than a hill the nearest peak worth climbing is hundreds of miles away

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pinnacle

the highest part or point a pop singer at the peak of her career

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in brim

the projecting front part of a hat or cap accidentally stepped on the hat and crushed the peak

Synonyms & Similar Words

peak

2 of 2

verb

as in to surge

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun peak differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of peak are acme, apex, climax, culmination, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When could acme be used to replace peak?

Although the words acme and peak have much in common, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

Where would apex be a reasonable alternative to peak?

The words apex and peak can be used in similar contexts, but apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When might climax be a better fit than peak?

While in some cases nearly identical to peak, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When is culmination a more appropriate choice than peak?

While the synonyms culmination and peak are close in meaning, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When is it sensible to use pinnacle instead of peak?

The words pinnacle and peak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

In what contexts can summit take the place of peak?

In some situations, the words summit and peak are roughly equivalent. However, summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

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 peak

Noun

This staffing arrangement, while described as not uncommon, has raised questions about the adequacy of personnel during peak hours. —

John Feng, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 Will the glut peak in 2025? The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 Are efforts to address sewage crisis at risk with federal health agency gag order? —

San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025

Verb

However, most people should worry about respiratory viruses that tend to peak at this time of year, said Ginny Boos, director of infection prevention at Saint Luke’s Health System, in Kansas City. —

Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 Wind gusts between 25 and 35 mph, peaking at 55 mph, are expected to . —

Matthew Impelli, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for peak

Recent Examples of Synonyms for peak

Noun

Once the backcountry skiers were located on the mountain, air support learned two of the three men were injured and could not walk.

— Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2025
The Santa Ana winds—hot, dry gusts descending from inland mountains—and severe drought conditions have created a perfect environment for wildfires to ignite rapidly and spread uncontrollably.

— Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025