HIGH Synonyms: 529 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'high' contrast with its synonyms?

The words lofty and tall are common synonyms of high . While all three words mean "above the average in height," high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level. // a high hill // a high ceiling

Q: In what contexts can 'lofty' take the place of 'high'?

Although the words lofty and high have much in common, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude. // lofty mountain peaks

Q: When might 'tall' be a better fit than 'high'?

The words tall and high can be used in similar contexts, but tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness. // a tall thin man

high 1 of 3

adjective

ˈhī

Definition of high next

as in tall

extending to a great distance upward as the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest is mountaineering's holy grail

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as in increased

being at a higher level than average gasoline prices are high right now a high fever people with high incomes

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as in elevated

located at a greater height than average or usual an eagle's nest high on the cliff an old house with high ceilings

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as in higher

being far along in development a cabal of self-proclaimed Luddites who argued that the evils of high technology far outweighed its virtues

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as in drunk

being under the influence of alcohol not only has he never been high, he has never even tasted alcohol

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as in expensive

commanding a large price the concert tickets weren't cheap—you don't even want to know how high they were

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as in great

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature she had the highest intentions, but her "help" turned out to be a disaster

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as in top

highest in rank or authority high government officials lord high executioner

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as in ripped

being under the influence of a recreational drug he's clean now, but when he was younger he used to get high every day

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high

2 of 3

noun

as in ecstasy

a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion it took days for the high of the World Series win to wear off

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as in sky

the expanse of air surrounding the earth V formations of honking geese on high mean winter will soon be here

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high

3 of 3

adverb

as in large

in a luxurious manner after he had won the lottery Philip lived pretty high—until all the money was gone

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective high contrast with its synonyms?

The words lofty and tall are common synonyms of high. While all three words mean "above the average in height," high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level.

a high hill

a high ceiling

In what contexts can lofty take the place of high?

Although the words lofty and high have much in common, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might tall be a better fit than high?

The words tall and high can be used in similar contexts, but tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

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 high

Adjective

For many of us, the switching costs seemed too high. —

Steven Levy, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024 Investing in digital assets carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. —

Jon Stojan, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Noun

Multi-generational living has increased in popularity, reaching a record high of 17% in the last year, according to the survey. —

Samantha Delouya, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024 The record high for Nov. 5 in Detroit is 74 degrees in 2022, according to the weather agency. —

Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 4 Nov. 2024

Adverb

Today’s journey takes us down the Oakwood Valley Trail, which begins high above Sausalito and descends downhill into dense forest before ending at Tennessee Valley Road. —

Daniel Bromfield, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024 Dodger mania was on full display Monday as fans, still riding high from the franchise’s eighth World Series victory, formed massive crowds to meet Kiki Hernández at Raising Cane’s in Alhambra and Walker Buehler at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Cerritos. —

Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for high

Recent Examples of Synonyms for high

Adjective

The six-and-a-half-foot tall sculpture, which had a guarantee and irrevocable bids, blew past its low estimate of $5 million, hammering at $9.8 million and ultimately selling for $11.4 million with fees.

Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Nov. 2024
And although he was usually cast as a heavy, Sorvino — a tall, burly gentleman with a big personality — excels in the wholesome role.

Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024