Definition of elevationnext

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 Snowshoe, the biggest ski resort in West Virginia with the most substantial elevation drop, sprawls over 251 acres serviced by lifts. Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026 If scoring high-elevation climbs and miles-long treks are in your future, the Cloudhorizon shoes should be, too. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026 In a state defined by elevation and aspiration, the 2025 Audi SQ5 feels like it was designed with our altitude-centric roads in mind. Chris Jackson, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026 To prepare for a speedy performance, Obiri left the elevation and hills of Boulder, Colorado, for four weeks to train in the warmth and relative flatness of Phoenix. ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elevation
Noun
  • Rodríguez quickly climbed the Yankees’ minor league ladder in 2025, starting at High-A, forcing his way to Double-A, and earning a brief promotion to Triple-A for his last starts of the year.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In 2016, Albertsons paid $107 million to settle a BOGO promotion case in nearby Oregon, plus another $107 million to settle a 2023 federal court case concerning BOGO promotions in Washington.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • However, veteran right-hander Jacob deGrom will take the hill for the Rangers.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Atlantic Shores Riding Stables can take you on a ride over hills above the Atlantic Ocean and down to the beach for an hour – or more, if your glutes can handle it.
    Hollie Clemence, TheWeek, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The documentary chronicled the height of outlaw country, which saw Coe in good company — Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, and the Charlie Daniels Band are also featured.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Cut up to half the sedge's height in early spring to thin it out.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • To see Ben’s growth, to see Jon, his rapid ascent, and to see the team’s success, to see DA — there’s a tremendous sense of pride watching your buddies do such great things professionally.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • His ascent was fueled by an outstanding performance during the 2025 season, sharing Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors, standing out at the NFL Combine and nailing in-person interviews.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • With the lights dimmed at Citi Field, Williams headed to the mound from the bullpen as called for by manager Carlos Mendoza, but Brazobán simultaneously walked from the dugout back to the mound.
    CBS New York Team, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier this week, Fernando Mendoza took the mound at loanDepot park in a Marlins jersey.
    Noah White, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Noddin said police believe the individual was using a low-altitude paraglider and not parachuting from a higher altitude.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The are headed to medium-Earth orbit at about 5,000 miles altitude.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But Gernsback's innovation of collecting previously-diffuse bits of literature ruminating on scientific discovery or technological advancement in one place proved to be an idea with staying power.
    Chris Klimek, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The case stands as a powerful example of how advancements in forensic science, particularly utilizing DNA and forensic genetic genealogy, continue to transform cold case investigations, delivering answers even decades after crimes occur.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There are high-mountain hikes aplenty, and the team can help set up trips to religious events (if the times align) and visits to traditional nomad families to learn more about the local culture.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But, while watching the rugged coastline dip in and out of fjords and spiky mountains tumble down into the sea, magicians and musicals were far from my mind.
    Karen Gardiner, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elevation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elevation. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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