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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 This class of technology is known as a HAPS, or high-altitude platform station. — New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2026 Then interpolate between the thicker vertical lines to find the altitude of Jupiter and the moon above your east-northeast horizon. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The plane descended sharply, losing half its altitude in less than two minutes, before other crew members took control of the Boeing 737 Max and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. — Victoria Craw, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026 Other uniform undashed streaks may be from high-altitude satellites moving much more slowly. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for altitude

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altitude

Noun

As for the elevations, McGraw will be making his NFL debut and Smith will be making his Dolphins debut.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
The parade of atmospheric river storms that could soak flatlanders could just as easily deliver record-breaking powder at higher, colder elevations.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of elevation

Noun

Hours after Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was shot to death inside his bedroom in the hills above Port-au-Prince, one of the Haitian Americans involved in the plot to oust him from power was desperate.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Located on a quiet lane, a stay here offers the best of the UK countryside with rolling hills and farmland on one side.

— Katie Silcox, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of hill

Noun

Philbrick, a seasoned and popular chronicler of the American past, is equally concerned with those who got trampled by the rush as with those who rode it to astonishing heights of wealth and influence.

— Richard Kreitner, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Building 1 offers a clear ceiling height of up to 25 feet at the peak, while building 2 provides approximately 18 feet of clear height.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of altitude

noun

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