LOFTY Synonyms: 297 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'lofty' contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and tall are common synonyms of lofty . While all three words mean "above the average in height," lofty suggests great or imposing altitude. // lofty mountain peaks

Q: When might 'high' be a better fit than 'lofty'?

The meanings of high and lofty largely overlap; however, high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level. // a high hill // a high ceiling

Q: When can 'tall' be used instead of 'lofty'?

Although the words tall and lofty have much in common, tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness. // a tall thin man

lofty

adjective

ˈlȯf-tē

Definition of lofty

as in tall

extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude she acts all lofty and superior just because she went to an Ivy League college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in proud

having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself his lofty attitude toward menial chores really rankles the other camp counselors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature remained true to the cause's lofty ideals, regardless of the changing winds of popular opinion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in eloquent

very dignified in form, tone, or style the lofty nature of the coronation ceremony

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lofty contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and tall are common synonyms of lofty. While all three words mean "above the average in height," lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might high be a better fit than lofty?

The meanings of high and lofty largely overlap; however, high implies marked extension upward and is applied chiefly to things which rise from a base or foundation or are placed at a conspicuous height above a lower level.

a high hill

a high ceiling

When can tall be used instead of lofty?

Although the words tall and lofty have much in common, tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

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 lofty With Wembanyama, the Spurs see it only as a lofty starting point. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026 Olena Nicks, an analyst and local lawmaker in Long Island, New York, is one of those consumers tightening the purse strings in the face of lofty prices. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 Now this pristine Daytona SP3, with an arguably lofty 2,948 miles on its odometer, will be crossing the block at the London Auction presented by RM Sotheby’s on October 31. — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026 Guys such as Strahm, Hunter Harvey and Bailey Falter didn’t produce enough to justify their lofty contracts. — Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lofty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty

Adjective

In keeping with its innovative and eco-minded bent, Ecoalf developed construction-ready textiles to cover about 60 percent of the boutique, including 16-foot-tall arches.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
For the remaining 716 feet, engineers recommended foundations reaching down 200 feet — even deeper than those of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is four times higher than the Bentley.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of tall

Adjective

Ever-sensible Elinor, who never asks for much, has already met, and fallen for, Edward Ferrars (George MacKay), Fanny’s brother, as kind and modest as Fanny is arrogant.

— Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Hal and Kate, having misread Trowbridge’s shock and dismay at the tragic death of Austin Dennison as a worse-than-usual bit of arrogant posturing, switch to Bad Cop mode.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrogant

Adjective

All three books analyze how closely the Biden administration worked with a (very willing) mainstream media to portray Israel as a noble victim and to dehumanize Palestinians.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2026
Today, the firm founded in 1985 is known for its anti-mass-market bespoke interiors, furniture, lighting and accessories defined by clean lines, refined proportions, noble materials and a philosophy of luxurious simplicity.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of noble

Adjective

Baitz’s verbal gymnastics aren’t a good fit for Harris, who is at his most eloquent when his characters are at a loss for words.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
One fascination of this brave book—brave in its disclosures but more so in its demands, its spiritual rigor, and its ardent intellectualism—lies in watching the eloquent, intelligent sufferer steadily entrapping herself.

— James Wood, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of eloquent

Adjective

The View From Midland Despite the year’s geopolitical turmoil, there’s a newfound sense of economic stability in Midland that, for the first time in the city’s history, doesn’t seem to depend on sustained high oil prices.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Another was that lower government spending for public health programs was leading to higher costs for private sector plans.

— Alana Semuels, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of high

Adjective

Vying for dominance as well are the haughty, self-serving bureaucrats of the area’s bustling capital of South Wood (Jemaine Clement, Marc Evan Jackson), who pull their political strings from the relative safety of the grand Pittock Mansion.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Snell wanted the Dashwoods to dress as if no whole costume team is coordinating things behind them — though haughty sister-in-law Fanny (Stacy Martin) is another matter.

— Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of haughty

Adjective

L3Harris claims its design can deliver greater range and speed than existing systems.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
Tarantino revealed the most personally meaningful piece of casting in a film filled with great performances — including supporting turns by multiple actors (Austin Butler, Mikey Madison, Sydney Sweeney) who have blown up in the seven years since.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of great

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lofts

lofty

log

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“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lofty

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