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 next

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

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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

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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

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as in eloquent

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

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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 But the disconnect between its lofty themes and the shallowness of its characters and world-building undermines its grand ambitions. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 But a return to its 2022 Emmys showing — 14 nominations and six wins — seems like a lofty goal. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 22 Jan. 2025 But at the same time, setting a lofty, unsustainable, or otherwise unrealistic goal can set you up for failure right out of the gate. —

Jenny McCoy, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025 However, this series did more than measure up to the quality of The Next Generation (a lofty feat in and of itself). —

Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lofty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty

Adjective

Native to Puerto Rico and parts of the Leeward Islands, cowboy prickly pear can grow to 10 feet tall in the wild.

— Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025
The street had been engulfed in 40-foot tall flames supported by 70-plus-mph winds; one of the homes in front of us, now just rubble and ash, belonged to another member of the Brigade, Tyler Hauptman.

— Emma Marie Jenkinson, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025