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 At over 7,000 feet in elevation, Stibnite is a difficult place for plant life to reestablish itself: Cold, long winters leave only a short growing season. Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 5 Feb. 2025 Window Trail Hikers should tackle the 5.5-mile out and back Window Trail, which descends 1,000 feet from the Chisos Trailhead, at 5,400 feet elevation, through Oak Creek Canyon to a sheer drop-off framed by towering cliffs. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 4 Feb. 2025 Snow levels will climb to elevations of 7,500 feet or higher by Saturday, the weather service said. Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 29 Jan. 2025 Total twenty-four hour snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches across the lower elevations, with 5 to 9 inches across the higher terrain. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for elevation 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • What: Dom Dolla and Diplo headline this party alongside brand promotions by CELSIUS, Anheuser-Busch, Pepsi, Verizon, U.S. Polo Assn., St. James Iced Tea.
    Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Minnesota’s approach to charitable gambling has evolved over the years, guided by laws aimed at balancing the regulation of gambling activities with the promotion of charitable causes.
    Janean Sorrell, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Mentone Alabama is known for its rolling green hills, but in the northeastern corner of the state, just a few miles from the Georgia border, the tiny village of Mentone is decidedly a mountain town.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The former gym owner and software developer would don a grizzly getup at every ski hill.
    Max Scheinblum, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Jimmy Fallon is about the same height as Tim was in 8th grade.
    Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The follow-up, Monster Hunter Wilds ($69.99), is poised to take the addictive monster-hunting gameplay to greater heights with an expansive and highly dynamic world, refined weapon abilities, and new context-sensitive special attacks.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In the 30 years since my first free ascent, only 12 people have made an all free ascent of the Nose.
    Lynn Hill, Outside Online, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The strike was pivotal to Osborn’s political ascent, coming at a time when unions, including the United Auto Workers, were pushing harder against companies for higher wages and benefits.
    Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Joe just is not able to perform on the mound this year.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Assuming Ohtani returns to the mound during that timeframe, the Dodgers can rotate Yamamoto, Sasaki, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and either Miller, Gonsolin or May in the meantime.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Jayhawks will be heading to high altitude for these two games against teams with similar records.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
  • On Monday, the cutoff altitude was about 7,000 feet (2,134 meters).
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Many opted to keep some level of the digital advancements and customer care options that were created during the pandemic.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Most people associate skiing there with the Dolomites, the massive mountain range in the northeast.
    Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The quiet solitude of having a whole mountain to yourself is truly an unmatched experience — not to mention getting first tracks all day long.
    Kale Williams, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near elevation

Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elevation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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