peak 1 of 2

noun

ˈpēk How to pronounce peak (audio)
Definition of peaknext
1
as in mountain
an elevation of land higher than a hill the nearest peak worth climbing is hundreds of miles away

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pinnacle
the highest part or point a pop singer at the peak of her career

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in brim
the projecting front part of a hat or cap accidentally stepped on the hat and crushed the peak

Synonyms & Similar Words

peak

2 of 2

verb

as in to surge

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun peak differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of peak are acme, apex, climax, culmination, pinnacle, and summit. While all these words mean "the highest point attained or attainable," peak suggests the highest among other high points.

an artist working at the peak of her powers

When could acme be used to replace peak?

Although the words acme and peak 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

Where would apex be a reasonable alternative to peak?

The words apex and peak can be used in similar contexts, but apex implies the point where all ascending lines converge.

the apex of Dutch culture

When might climax be a better fit than peak?

While in some cases nearly identical to peak, 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 peak?

While the synonyms culmination and peak are close in meaning, culmination suggests the outcome of a growth or development representing an attained objective.

the culmination of years of effort

When is it sensible to use pinnacle instead of peak?

The words pinnacle and peak are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, pinnacle suggests a dizzying and often insecure height.

the pinnacle of worldly success

In what contexts can summit take the place of peak?

In some situations, the words summit and peak are roughly equivalent. However, 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 peak
Noun
The mass of beachgoers and eagle-eyed lifeguards are now gone from the Cape, but white shark season is only starting to peak. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 Plus, seasonal highlights —spring wildflowers, fall foliage migrating wildlife — often peak during shoulder seasons, giving you front-row access to nature’s best shows. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
The Atlantic is pitching a shut out on its official peak this year – a feat that last happened in 2016. —Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 In a small region of the mountainous forests in Brazil, the peaks meet the clouds and humidity fills the air. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for peak
Recent Examples of Synonyms for peak
  1. mountain
  2. pinnacle
  3. brim
  4. surge
  5. zenith
  6. increase
  7. height
  8. crest
Noun
  • As of publication time, Simpson has reached 11 mountain peaks.
    — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • So, building here is an homage to Aspen’s past, a way of honoring the pioneers who helped transform a quiet mountain town into an international destination.
    — Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of mountain
Noun
  • But the template had been set, Paris was marked as a shorthand for the pinnacle of female achievement—only the most stylish, successful, and generally it would be summoned there—and established as the option only a truly singular love could outshine.
    — Megan Angelo, Glamour, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Also in the Tuamotus, on the atoll of Tikehau, divers head out to Tuheiava Pass with Tikehau Diving for regular sightings of mantas at a cleaning station (pinnacles that draw large fish to have their gills, teeth, and carapaces cleaned by smaller ones).
    — Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of pinnacle
Noun
  • The logo is a trio of upside-down piano pedals (a wink to not taking things too seriously), and the brim’s five stitched lines nod to a musical staff.
    — Gabby Shacknai, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
  • The wide brim provides shade to more areas of your body, including your face, shoulders, and neck.
    — Nicol Natale, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Definition of brim
Verb
  • The Rangers lost and that allowed the Royals surge in front of them by a half game.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Delays could cause disruption, leading prices to surge for memory chips, the semiconductors that help devices store data that Samsung and SK Hynix make in China.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of surge
Noun
  • The speakers and attendees outlined their vision for the world at a time when national conservatism has reached its zenith of influence.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Sep. 2025
  • These continued every few days for the better part of the next year, one Bowyer would look back on as a personal and professional zenith.
    — DAVID AMSDEN, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
Definition of zenith
Verb
  • Federal Supplement Security Income payments would increase for January but those payments would be made at the end of December.
    — Susan Tompor, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
  • But there is really no reason why this should be the case for Pilates—which consists of different low-impact movements to strengthen your core muscles, increase your flexibility, improve your posture and give you more awareness of your body in general.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of increase
Noun
  • Heeled mules are the ideal way to take both your style and your feet (literally) to new heights.
    — Amber Cardullo, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Recently, however, both teams have elevated themselves to greater heights.
    — Quentin Corpuel, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of height
Verb
  • As the couple's relationship crested toward its one-year mark, Kelce also spoke more about their pairing.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The North Fork Kentucky River, which runs alongside Hazard’s Main Street, crested at over 30 feet and swamped the small downtown area, destroying several local businesses.
    — Nidhi Sharma, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2025
Definition of crest

Browse Nearby Words

peachy keen
peak
peaked
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Cite this Entry

“Peak.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/peak. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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