1
as in tall
extending to a great distance upward the ever-increasing lofty heights of the world's skyscrapers

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2
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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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 For all the lofty historical comparisons, sometimes the ordinariness of this moment is what strikes me most. Christopher Hale, Time, 9 May 2025 And Tucker achieved that lofty status with the Ravens despite playing a position that doesn’t often lend itself to celebrity and fanfare. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 6 May 2025 After the section’s top 12 teams are byed into the three-division playoffs, those not given such lofty ratings are then challenged to win their way into the section championships. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2025 Investors had lofty expectations for the cloud businesses, which were reinforced by Microsoft and Google's results and raised expectations for Amazon's AWS, said Will Rhind, CEO of global ETF issuer GraniteShares. Deborah Mary Sophia and Arriana McLymore, USA Today, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lofty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lofty
Adjective
  • Keep a distance from tall, isolated trees or other elevated objects.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Spanning 200 acres, Perfect Day Mexico is taking the Royal Caribbean guest experience to the next level, with dozens of waterslides (including the tallest ones across North and South America), the longest lazy river in the world, miles of white sand beaches, and 12 unique dining outlets.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • By losing some of its arrogant charm, Doom has also lost the means to back it up.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
  • For example, when a man in his sixties talks about the same thing, he’s seen as calm and logical, but when a woman in her twenties talks about it, she’s seen as arrogant or trying to act mature.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the next round that year, Boston lost Game 6 at home to the Heat before knocking out Jimmy Butler and his proud team by capturing Game 7 in Miami.
    Jay King, New York Times, 15 May 2025
  • Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Which one of her books was turned into a 1995 film directed by Ang Lee, from a script written by Emma Thompson? 2 of 5 What is the name of the series that adapts Julia Quinn’s Regency-era romance novels about eight siblings in a noble family and their adventures in London’s high-society world?
    J. D. Biersdorfer, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • The Idol was almost a noble failure, a psychically damaging look into the pop ecosystem that had the decency to fictionalize rather than mythologize its star.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The actor enhances his character’s long inner monologues with his eloquent ice-blue eyes, which can convey emotions ranging from disdain and discomfiture to despair and devotion.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 12 May 2025
  • The artist also wore an eloquent necklace by Repossi.
    Ruth Etiesit Samuel, Essence, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Similarly, home equity loans and lines of credit tend to have high interest rates: in the mid-8% range as of mid-May, according to Bankrate.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • The stakes are high for FAMU, which is still reeling from past leadership controversies.
    Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • When indifferent and haughty stylist Magno Stift falls ill ahead of the tributes’ big pre-games interview, a young Effie swoops in as makeshift stylist, bringing in clothes that belonged to her great-aunt and great-uncle.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • As the daughter of the haughty Chodron de Courcel and Brondeau d’Urtières families, Bernadette never lacks confidence.
    Armond White, National Review, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even in Paris, this would make a great evening bag and match practically any outfit.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
  • Lima Beans 126 mg per cooked cup, or 30% DV In addition to providing magnesium, beans and lentils like lima beans are a great source of fiber and the B vitamin folate.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lofty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lofty. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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