Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vertical differ from other similar words?

The words perpendicular and plumb are common synonyms of vertical. While all three words mean "being at right angles to a base line," vertical suggests a line or direction rising straight upward toward a zenith.

the side of the cliff is almost vertical

When could perpendicular be used to replace vertical?

The words perpendicular and vertical are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 it sensible to use plumb instead of vertical?

While the synonyms plumb and vertical are close in meaning, plumb stresses an exact verticality determined (as with a plumb line) by earth's gravity.

make sure that the wall is plumb

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 vertical Also, consider going horizontal instead of vertical to capture a wider image. Kelvin Chan, Denver Post, 2 June 2025 Currently, the space launch sector is pretty much a vertical affair. David Szondy, New Atlas, 1 June 2025 If there are grid lines on your windows, Weidenbaum recommends going with the horizontal line that lands closest to the vertical halfway point. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025 Ateliers Horizons has dabbled in sound before, developing a first jukebox in 2019, as well as a boombox housing a vertical turntable. Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vertical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertical
Adjective
  • To now have the very same industry embrace her, including via a recent standing ovation at the Critics Choice Awards for her work in Matlock, has been a lot to process.
    Jessica Wang, EW.com, 27 May 2025
  • That’s right, festival season means one thing and one thing only: measuring the standing ovations each film gets and then using that as data point No. 1 in building your MFL team come September.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, sitting catty-corner with the original Courrèges store on a shopping street perpendicular to luxury shopping artery Avenue Montaigne and a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, the store is ideally placed to draw a more international clientele to Molli’s doorstep.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • With Earth’s axis perpendicular to the sun, a unique interaction between solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere weakens Earth’s magnetic field slightly.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Carlin said, as soldiers need to guide their horses while keeping erect posture.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • In the proceeding years, visitors who wanted to spend the night in the park could rent houseboats, erect tents, or park their camper vans or RVs, but the nearest hotel was located about an hour away in Florida City.
    Mariette Williams, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Core Muscles Walking also engages your core muscles, which help keep you upright and stabilize your trunk.
    Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
  • Staking peonies with peony cages offers the plant support and keeps it upright even through the elements.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vertical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertical. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on vertical

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