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

Synonym Chooser

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 Beginning at an altitude of 155 miles (250 km), the spacecraft will gradually lower its path before releasing the lander. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Previous attempts to retrieve bodies at such high altitudes have been called off because of the risk of death to the rescuers. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026 These changes aim to improve performance across greater distances and at higher altitudes, expanding the range of threats the Army can engage. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 Preliminary assessments suggest Germany could accommodate up to 4,000 high-altitude towers within existing wind farms. — New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for altitude

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altitude

Noun

Earlier this week, leaf change stood at about 12-18% above 3,000 feet and at about 10% in the lower elevations.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Hartney recommends reviewing an itinerary’s activity descriptions with an older parent ahead of travel, paying attention to walking distances, terrain, elevation, long days, and how much free time is built in.

— Jenn Sinrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of elevation

Noun

The entertaining spaces, including the adjoining living and dining rooms, are framed by large windows that look out on the rolling hills.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
The area is sparsely populated with private estates set atop hills or within canyons, making firefighting access difficult.

— Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of hill

Noun

The performance of total transparency could reach comical heights.

— Alex Barasch, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026
Construction also has already begun on a second pad, LC-36B, for an even larger version of New Glenn, and with it a new vertical integration facility that can handle the new rockets’ heights.

— Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of height

Browse Nearby Words

altiplanos

altitude

altitudes

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Altitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altitude. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of altitude

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on altitude

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes