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 For comparison, Denver’s elevation is about 5,280 feet. Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 9 July 2025 The itinerary includes trekking through forests, with elevation gains of 2,625 feet and crossing multiple rivers, as well as crossing rock scrambles, sandbanks, ladders, and even rope climbs. Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025 The road does have some elevation changes, so be ready to climb or bring an e-bike. Robert Annis, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 Researchers thought colder temperatures and higher elevations could stop the march of invasive fire ants. Gareth McGrath, USA Today, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • In addition to achieving top-level status with two different promotions, Naomi also became the first Black woman to win the Money in the Bank match and to successfully cash in the briefcase.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The club have stuck to their policy of investing in youth, but the calibre of target has leapt up with promotion.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Just as runners map their route to avoid unnecessary hills or dangerous intersections, project leaders must anticipate obstacles and plan alternative pathways.
    Sarah Edwards, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The river reached its second-highest height on record, surpassing a 1987 flood level, according to the National Weather Service.
    Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • Chambray may be a humble fabric, but 100 Hands has elevated it to new heights with its Iced Washed Japanese Chambray Shirt.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • The time of his winning ascent, 4.03, was slower than Van der Poel’s 3.58 in 2021.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Its ascent to the No.1 spot on this list reflects the tastes of travelers to the French capital, where gastronomy is often the focal point of visits.
    Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • But, with Trevino on the mound, someone had to go behind the plate and the only one left was Stephenson.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Still, Montgomery left Hendricks on the mound, and Smith hit a hard ground ball through the middle, driving in a run.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • This noble gas, once used as anesthesia, is now rumored to increase red blood cell production and protect the brain at extreme altitudes.
    Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
  • The meteor was first seen at an altitude of 48 miles above the town of Oxford, Georgia, moving southwest at 30,000 miles per hour, said Bill Cooke, a lead at NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office.
    Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Create clear pathways for advancement via micro-credentials.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • With recent advancements in smart home technologies, a rediscovery of traditional craftsmanship, and a rekindling of national pride, Chinese industry leaders said the number of luxury domestic furniture brands is expected to rise in the near term.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • For the second time in a week, someone has died visiting a waterfall in the North Carolina mountains, searchers say.
    Mark Price Updated July 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • Luckily, their families found the beautiful small town in the mountains, Redwood Hollows.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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