Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective tall contrast with its synonyms?

The words high and lofty are common synonyms of tall. While all three words mean "above the average in height," tall applies to what grows or rises high by comparison with others of its kind and usually implies relative narrowness.

a tall thin man

When can high be used instead of tall?

Although the words high and tall have much in common, 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 would lofty be a good substitute for tall?

While in some cases nearly identical to tall, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

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 tall These small microscopic mites thrive in moist, shady areas and tall grass. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 July 2025 The 30 itineraries, which were curated from a locals' perspectives, include activities like visiting a roadside fish-and-chip stand, a hike in the fjords, and a visit to historic sites set along Europe’s tallest sea cliffs. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025 Both are tall, athletic goalkeepers who rely on structure and presence. Mark Critchley, New York Times, 12 July 2025 Avoid tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tall
Adjective
  • In Chicago, that figure is even higher, with the average nuptials ringing up at $54,190, per the wedding planning service.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • As someone whose hair is a bit high maintenance (high porosity, oily scalp, dry ends, breakage, and split ends here and there), the best Korean hair products are a game-changer.
    Audrey Noble, Glamour, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • James is playing the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, which is a very difficult number for teams to pay.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • Our models and expertise can sniff out the broad parameters, but the precise location and timing of moisture plumes, training (quasi-stationary rain cells), and forcing mechanism can be difficult.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker combined to give this women’s basketball franchise an undeniable and towering allure, with three championship banners (2001, 2002, 2016) in the rafters.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Better yet, head to the east side of the park to Two Medicine Valley, which is full of trails leading to ice-blue backcountry lakes and towering peaks.
    Graham Averill, Outside Online, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The producer said getting his hands on an original copy of the Carter song on LP proved challenging, and expensive, signaling a cult following for such music.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
  • Gap Easy Trousers Finding summer work pants that are both breathable and stylish can be challenging, but these petite Easy Trousers from Gap fit the bill perfectly.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The tough part is deciding between a leather sofa or a plush number made with performance fabric.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2025
  • But after rookie third baseman Ronny Mauricio made an exceptionally tough double play to end a two-on, one-out threat in the bottom of the eighth, there was no way the Mets were losing.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Sandoval has received some pay bumps, including a temporary $10,000-a-year bonus for Hawaii special education teachers designed to alleviate shortages in that and other hard-to-staff areas.
    Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023
  • For extra reliability, choose a suitcase with a hard shell crafted from either polycarbonate or aluminum.
    Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Travel + Leisure, 13 Feb. 2023
Adjective
  • In short, because the Ukrainians have put up a formidable defense.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 July 2025
  • Given the progress North Korea has made since 2019, however, Pyongyang would still retain a nuclear arsenal formidable enough to make any foreign attack unthinkable.
    ANDREI LANKOV, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Freeform rolling carry-on was deemed the Best Overall Carry-on by Travel + Leisure after rounds of rigorous testing at our New York City lab.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
  • Before a potential controller can even step foot in the academy, there’s a rigorous application and qualification process.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tall. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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