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

as in vertical

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 perpendicular At each of the four end points, a small panel about 2 to 3 feet wide would be mounted perpendicular to the netting to prevent access. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026 In areas where the soil feels particularly heavy or compacted, Kail recommends making a second pass perpendicular to the first to ensure thorough oxygen exchange. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 May 2026 How to Survive a Rip Current Unlike waves that push toward the beach, rip currents move perpendicular to the shoreline, carrying water, and anything floating in it, out to sea. — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2026 Folding out horizontally to be a side sleeper (rather than perpendicular to the wall as is traditional), this full-sized bed frame is slim without sacrificing comfort. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for perpendicular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perpendicular

Adjective

Stipp emphasizes Suja Life's long-term vision, vertical integration, and brand-building expertise, aiming for sustained double-digit growth despite current market challenges.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
That kind of vertical integration is becoming an increasingly important strategy across China’s EV industry.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of vertical

Adjective

On Saturday, Pete received a standing ovation from members of the Navajo Nation who were in the stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

— Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Three years ago, fans of the Philadelphia Phillies famously buoyed the spirits of underperforming shortstop Trea Turner by giving him the same kind of standing ovation.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of standing

Browse Nearby Words

perpended

perpendicular

perpending

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Perpendicular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perpendicular. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of perpendicular

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes