PERPENDICULAR Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

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

The words plumb and vertical are common synonyms of perpendicular . While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," 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 'plumb' a more appropriate choice than 'perpendicular'?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpendicular , plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity. // make sure that the wall is plumb

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

While the synonyms vertical and perpendicular are close in meaning, vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith. // the side of the cliff is almost vertical

perpendicular

adjective

ˌpər-pən-ˈdi-kyə-lər

Definition of perpendicular next

as in vertical

rising straight up river rafters staring awestruck at the canyon's nearly perpendicular cliffs

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How does the adjective perpendicular differ from other similar words?

The words plumb and vertical are common synonyms of perpendicular. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," 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 plumb a more appropriate choice than perpendicular?

While in some cases nearly identical to perpendicular, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

When is it sensible to use vertical instead of perpendicular?

While the synonyms vertical and perpendicular are close in meaning, vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of perpendicular Because Mercury spins on an axis with a miniscule tilt of just 0.01 degrees—almost perpendicular to its plane of orbit around the sun—the rims of all four of these polar craters cast permanent shadows within their depths. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025 That’s leading to the creation of mountain waves, which arise when strong winds blow perpendicular to a mountain range. —

Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025 If the area surrounding your fireplace is large or wide open, consider creating conversation zones, pairing two chairs in one section and a set of perpendicular sofas on the other. —

Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2025 With goalie Dostal already perpendicular to the ice because of Brink’s fakery, Cates easily zipped in the pass from his linemate, extending his goal streak to five games. —

Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perpendicular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpendicular

Adjective

Industry insiders are divided over whether NBCU’s restructuring would usher another wave of vertical integration.

— Peter White, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
One of those priorities has been vertical videos, which have become important to media organizations because they can be viewed easily on mobile phones.

— Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025