Definition of elevationnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun elevation contrast with its synonyms?

The words altitude and height are common synonyms of elevation. 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 can height be used instead of elevation?

The words height and elevation can be used in similar contexts, but 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 elevation The elements of the Pulitzer commission (three steel elevation markers sunk into the ground, their top edges, like those of Shift, parallel to the horizon) cannot be seen together from a single vantage. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 His elevation to chair came during an unusually turbulent period for CMS. — Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026 With the push of some colder air, some snow is also possible in the highest elevations early Thursday. — Alex Lehnert, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 At the time, the flood maps showed that the land the park sat on was at risk but didn’t have his home in the 100-year floodplain, which would have required expensive elevation. — Ren Larson, ProPublica, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • Gaston remembered being on Long Island for the chain’s first-ever special promotion, 1984’s Lobsterfest.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Troutman is charged with conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right and racketeering promotion.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
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
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
Noun
  • As Florida continues its ascent back into the image of CFP contention, its ability to focus on the next test was the new challenge.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Trump retains enormous influence among the Republican voters who powered his ascent, even as dissatisfaction with his leadership threatens candidates who must appeal beyond his most committed supporters.
    — Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Dodgers had Tyler Glasnow on their mound in Wednesday’s Game 4 and Tarik Skubal waiting for a possible Game 5 and this thing feels over.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Chris Sale comes to the mound today looking to keep Los Angeles off the scoreboard.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • As someone who struggles with the dizzying effects of altitude, I was quickly reminded of Santa Fe’s 7,000-foot elevation.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Wind speeds generally increase with altitude, while higher elevations can also provide more consistent wind conditions.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Mira believes advancement in their field will come through human-AI interaction.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
  • There is a more optimistic alternative — assuming a new incentive structure that disengages problem-solving and theorem-proving from jobs, advancement, and recognition.
    — Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Skydance will have a mountain of debt, projected to be north of $80 billion, after assuming the debt burdens of previous M&A incurred by Paramount and WBD and raising new debt financing.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Some parts of the mountains could get frost Wednesday morning, officials say.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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