ALTITUDE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'altitude' contrast with its synonyms?

The words elevation and height are common synonyms of altitude . While all three words mean "vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it," altitude and elevation apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; altitude is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; elevation is used especially in reference to vertical height on land. // fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters // Denver is a city with a high elevation

Q: When is 'height' a more appropriate choice than 'altitude'?

In some situations, the words height and altitude are roughly equivalent. However, height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low. // a wall two meters in height

altitude

noun

ˈal-tə-ˌtüd

Definition of altitude

as in elevation

the distance of something or someone from bottom to top the altitude of the highest mountain in the U.S. is only about two thirds that of the highest mountain in the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in hill

usually altitudes plural an area of high ground the air is thinner at higher altitudes

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun altitude contrast with its synonyms?

The words elevation and height are common synonyms of altitude. While all three words mean "vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it," altitude and elevation apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; altitude is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; elevation is used especially in reference to vertical height on land.

fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters

Denver is a city with a high elevation

When is height a more appropriate choice than altitude?

In some situations, the words height and altitude are roughly equivalent. However, height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low.

a wall two meters in height

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 altitude Wiphu said that the main driver of the delay appeared to be due to weather, specifically higher-altitude winds as a weather system moves through southern China. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 Walker reached an altitude of over 67 miles (108 kilometers). — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 22 Aug. 2026 At lower altitudes, the SQ5 can probably beat its highway mpg rating by a point or two. — New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026 This summer your policy might exclude common vacation activities like riding a scooter or high-altitude hiking. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for altitude

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altitude

Noun

The storm dumped more than a foot of rain over parts of the state, with the highest elevations getting more than 40 inches.

— Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
The minimum flood elevation for structures on the Arena Boulevard had raised by 12 inches, requiring two additional steps for each of the 40 tiny homes, plus the project now required an onsite drainage system and drainage study.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of elevation

Noun

When combined with the huge, steep hill that looms over the city centre, there can be a claustrophobic vibe.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
That offhand vision has since expanded into Canyon View Ranch, a five-acre luxury retreat tucked into the hills of Topanga that its clients refer to as Disneyland for canines.

— Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of hill

Noun

Towering waves generated by intense Pacific storm systems, their heights amplified by El Niño, could erode parts of the fragile coastline and shut down crucial coastal transportation arteries.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
But what truly took the event to new heights was the way the ladies from the other franchises reacted to being on Kyle’s turf.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of height

Browse Nearby Words

altiplanos

altitude

altitudes

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“Altitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altitude. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of altitude

noun

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