high 1 of 3

adjective

ˈhī How to pronounce high (audio)
Definition of highnext
1
as in tall
extending to a great distance upward as the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest is mountaineering's holy grail

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2
as in increased
being at a higher level than average gasoline prices are high right now a high fever people with high incomes

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3
as in elevated
located at a greater height than average or usual an eagle's nest high on the cliff an old house with high ceilings

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4
as in higher
being far along in development a cabal of self-proclaimed Luddites who argued that the evils of high technology far outweighed its virtues

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5
as in drunk
being under the influence of alcohol not only has he never been high, he has never even tasted alcohol

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6
as in expensive
commanding a large price the concert tickets weren't cheap—you don't even want to know how high they were

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7
as in great
having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature she had the highest intentions, but her "help" turned out to be a disaster

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8
as in top
highest in rank or authority high government officials lord high executioner

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9
as in ripped
being under the influence of a recreational drug he's clean now, but when he was younger he used to get high every day

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high

2 of 3

noun

1
as in ecstasy
a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion it took days for the high of the World Series win to wear off

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2
as in sky
the expanse of air surrounding the earth V formations of honking geese on high mean winter will soon be here

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high

3 of 3

adverb

as in large
in a luxurious manner after he had won the lottery Philip lived pretty high—until all the money was gone

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective high contrast with its synonyms?

The words lofty and tall are common synonyms of high. While all three words mean "above the average in height," 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

In what contexts can lofty take the place of high?

Although the words lofty and high have much in common, lofty suggests great or imposing altitude.

lofty mountain peaks

When might tall be a better fit than high?

The words tall and high can be used in similar contexts, but 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 high
Adjective
Restoring the higher rate meant paying hospitals more for the same drugs. — Casey B. Mulligan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026 Higher interest rates definitely hurt the commercial real estate sector from 2022 through 2024, as higher costs for borrowing lowered the value of assets. — Diana Olick, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
French bonds have sold off sharply in recent weeks, and yields on them are approaching record highs. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 With less than a month to go before the November election, diesel prices continue to hit record highs as some farmers transport their crops for processing and others rush to complete their fall harvest. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adverb
The Best Samsung Watch Deals Based on our review, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is a clear top choice for budget-minded Android fans seeking a high-performing, compatible smartwatch. — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026 Gordievsky, a high-ranking KGB officer, passed on information to the West for years. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for high
Recent Examples of Synonyms for high
  1. tall
  2. increased
  3. elevated
  4. advanced
  5. drunk
  6. expensive
  7. great
  8. top
Adjective
  • Goliath reaches speeds of up to 70 miles per hour and is 200 feet tall, according to the park's website.
    — DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Elyton Hotel, now a Marriott property, occupies the stunning landmark Beaux Arts Empire Building, which was the tallest building in Alabama when it was built in 1909.
    — Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of tall
Adjective
  • On top of the complimentary access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, the card provides increased status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy and Leaders Club Sterling Status (enrollment required; terms and limitations apply).
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Weather conditions act as wildcards, while increased demand remains a constant source of pressure.
    — Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of increased
Adjective
  • In the late 19th century, the Devil’s Mile was an avatar of urban development—the site of an elevated train that cut a clamorous swath through the teeming neighborhoods of Lower Manhattan.
    — J. Hoberman, ARTnews.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Should interest rates remain elevated while corporate earnings growth fails to offset rising capital costs, companies may be forced to execute deep cuts in capital expenditure.
    — , CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of elevated
Adjective
  • Now in advanced financing after years of development, the team is using Busan to close the remaining gap and meet partners to take the film into production.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Facing China’s far larger military, which is adding advanced new weapons such as stealth-fighter jets, aircraft carriers and a huge array of missiles, Taiwan is ramping up defense spending and modernising its armed forces.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of advanced
Adjective
  • Patel also directed Wilkins’ security detail to escort one of her allegedly drunk friends home after a night out in Nashville, MS Now reported in December 2025.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • There were half-drunk espresso martinis on nearly every surface after Heather Dubrow tried to drink the bartender out of coffee.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of drunk
Adjective
  • Narrowing the spread also weakens the incentive to steer patients toward costlier drugs and to acquire physician practices and infusion clinics — the very behaviors that have made care more expensive.
    — Casey B. Mulligan, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The problem is that these systems are slow, expensive and don’t scale.
    — Reynald Fasciaux, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of expensive
Adjective
  • Maines’ voice sounds great, and Maguire’s grand viola break after the bridge adds requisite drama.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The defender made a great play, but Manning made a bad throw.
    — Mac Engel October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Deadline has established that several top producers have declined to throw their hat into the ring, with many citing concerns about the lack of rights and the production contract sucking creative energy away from other projects.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • However, Harvey said, such a demotion must be carefully implemented so as not to inadvertently punish Championship League teams investing the right way in the hopes of making the top flight.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of top

Phrases Containing high

Browse Nearby Words

higgledy-piggledy
high
high and dry
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Cite this Entry

“High.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/high. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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