VERTICAL Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'vertical' differ from other similar words?

The words perpendicular and plumb are common synonyms of vertical . While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith. // the side of the cliff is almost vertical

Q: When could 'perpendicular' be used to replace 'vertical'?

The words perpendicular and vertical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one. // the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

Q: When is it sensible to use 'plumb' instead of 'vertical'?

While the synonyms plumb and vertical are close in meaning, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity. // make sure that the wall is plumb

vertical

adjective

ˈvər-ti-kəl

Definition of vertical next

as in standing

rising straight up a vertical cliff face

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vertical differ from other similar words?

The words perpendicular and plumb are common synonyms of vertical. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

When could perpendicular be used to replace vertical?

The words perpendicular and vertical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perpendicular may stress the straightness of a line making a right angle with any other line, not necessarily a horizontal one.

the parallel bars are perpendicular to the support posts

When is it sensible to use plumb instead of vertical?

While the synonyms plumb and vertical are close in meaning, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

Examples 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 vertical According to OpenAI, Sora is capable of generating videos up to 1080p resolution in widescreen, vertical and square aspect ratios. —

Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024 This two-drawer set features vertical lines that provide more texture and dimension to your bedside. —

Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 Then there’s the low-slung look of the seating, unlike the vertical prominence of modern stadiums. —

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024 Conventional text formatting causes readers to move their eyes in both the horizontal and vertical planes: across the line, down to the next line, and back to start the next line across. —

Jerry Weissman, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vertical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical

Adjective

At the Directors Guild, PGA and SAG screenings in both Los Angeles and New York, as well as at the Academy screening, capacity crowds burst into applause after many songs and gave the film a rapturous standing ovation after the cliffhanger finale.

Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Nov. 2024
This prompted a standing ovation and choruses of pro-Trump chants.

Charles Duhigg, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024