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 The are headed to medium-Earth orbit at about 5,000 miles altitude. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 Their advantage is not raw speed but survivability through low-altitude flight, route planning, and radar evasion. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 If England progress, the altitude of Mexico City is likely to be followed by Miami’s humidity. — Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 29 June 2026 It was observed at an altitude of 500 feet, placing it within the typical flight path of low-flying commercial aircraft approaching the airport, according to the ATIS warning. — Bonny Chu , Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for altitude

Recent Examples of Synonyms for altitude

Noun

The 10 counties with the lowest percentage of households with AC in the continental United States were all located in coastal areas in California and Oregon, or in the higher elevations of Colorado.

— Ignacio Calderon, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Apiri recently expanded with an adjacent wine-tasting and events space, Ferment Artisan Lab, where oenophiles can get to know the island’s limestone-rich elevations through a taste of some of the best local producers.

— Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

Definition of elevation

Noun

Kotagiri was once a hill station from the British era, and that’s why many of its older houses feature the same heavy stone masonry.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
The rolling hills and pastureland of Vernon County are home to the highest concentration of organic farms in the state.

— Katy Spratte Joyce, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026

Definition of hill

Noun

In one photo, Kate drapes an arm around George, who is now almost her height (the future king turns 13 later this month).

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Mixing knits with leather creates texture and contrast in the outfit, while the height and simplicity of these solid-color boots helps ground the overall look.

— Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 6 July 2026

Definition of height

Browse Nearby Words

altiplanos

altitude

altitudes

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Style

“Altitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/altitude. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of altitude

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