Thesaurus results for PINNACLE

pinnacle

noun

ˈpi-ni-kəl

Definition of pinnacle

as in zenith

the highest part or point a singer who has reached the pinnacle of success

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pinnacle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pinnacle are acme, apex, climax, culmination, peak, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

Where would acme be a reasonable alternative to pinnacle?

Although the words acme and pinnacle have much in common, acme implies a level of quality representing the perfection of a thing.

a statue that was once deemed the acme of beauty

When is it sensible to use apex instead of pinnacle?

The meanings of apex and pinnacle largely overlap; however, apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When could climax be used to replace pinnacle?

The words climax and pinnacle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, climax implies the highest point in an ascending series.

the war was the climax to a series of hostile actions

When is culmination a more appropriate choice than pinnacle?

In some situations, the words culmination and pinnacle are roughly equivalent. However, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When might peak be a better fit than pinnacle?

While the synonyms peak and pinnacle are close in meaning, peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When can summit be used instead of pinnacle?

The words summit and pinnacle can be used in similar contexts, but summit implies the topmost level attainable.

at the summit of the Victorian social scene

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 pinnacle For the select list of comedians who have sold out the place, filling the arena is considered a pinnacle of achievement. — Hillary Atkin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 Because Imax is the pinnacle for projectionists to get to operate. — Chris Stanton, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 Reid’s constancy is one of the gifts that has led him to the pinnacle of the NFL as the fourth-winningest coach in league history. — Vahe Gregorian july 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 The Big Ten, the pinnacle of competition, sounded like a distant dream. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for pinnacle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pinnacle

Noun

Around the time the body was disposed of, Lake Mead was nearing its zenith.

— Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Despite Villa reaching their zenith under Emery in May, there was a growing argument to undergo a stable transitional phase, providing youthful impetus and appearing proactive, rather than reactive, in lowering the age of the squad.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of zenith

Noun

Westman Atelier has achieved a lot on its own, rising to the top of the ranks in complexion and lip.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
He was only getting started, but people could already see the natural ability that the youngster believed would one day take him to the top.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of top

Noun

Day trippers during peak summer months are aplenty, but only between 10am and 5pm.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
In June, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared the official start of a new El Niño, which is expected to be historically strong and peak somewhere between October and December.

— Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of peak

Noun

Towering waves generated by intense Pacific storm systems, their heights amplified by El Niño, could erode parts of the fragile coastline and shut down crucial coastal transportation arteries.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
But what truly took the event to new heights was the way the ladies from the other franchises reacted to being on Kyle’s turf.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of height

Noun

Tottenham were outfought and outplayed by a Brentford side who, after an outstanding season last year, may have hit a new apex.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Beyond the bravado of going as fast as possible, Macleod teaches precision, beginning with how brake pressure shifts a car’s weight and sets up a corner long before the apex.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of apex

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“Pinnacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pinnacle. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pinnacle

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