above
/əˈbʌv/
NOUN
1. Heaven or a heavenly place
A place believed to exist beyond the earth, where God, gods, or the souls of the dead reside.
1.1. Heaven as an afterlife or spiritual realm
Refers to heaven or an imagined spiritual realm associated with eternal life, peace, or divine existence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- hell
- Gehenna
- underworld
- netherworld
- inferno
Related Words
- Beulah
- Valhalla
- New Jerusalem
- Zion
- empyrean
- nirvana
NOUN
2. Something mentioned earlier in a document
Something, especially a person's name or reference, appearing higher on the same page or on a preceding page.
2.1. Earlier-mentioned information or references
Refers to a statement, name, passage, or item that has already appeared earlier in a written document.
Synonyms
- aforementioned
- aforesaid
- foregoing
- preceding
- aforementioned item
Related Words
- antecedent
- prior reference
- previous mention
NOUN
3. Higher authority
A person or group with greater authority, power, or rank than another.
3.1. Persons or authorities in higher positions
Refers to people or governing bodies who hold greater authority or superior positions within an organization or hierarchy.
Synonyms
- superiors
- higher-ups
- superior authority
Antonyms
- inferiors
- subordinates
Related Words
- management
- leadership
- supervision
NOUN
4. Betterment or elevated status
An improvement or increase in someone's status, position, or condition.
4.1. Improvement in status or condition
Describes advancement to a higher or better position, status, or state of being.
Synonyms
- betterment
- improvement
- advancement
- elevation
Antonyms
- decline
- deterioration
- regression
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
5. Heavenly or relating to heaven
Of or relating to heaven or a divine spiritual realm.
5.1. Relating to a heavenly or divine realm
Describes something associated with heaven, divine existence, or a spiritual world.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- hellish
- infernal
Related Words
ADJECTIVE
6. Located higher on a page or mentioned previously
Situated higher on the same page or appearing earlier in a written document.
6.1. Previously stated or displayed information
Used to identify information, text, or references positioned earlier in a document or higher on the page.
Synonyms
- aforementioned
- aforesaid
- preceding
- foregoing
- previous
Antonyms
- following
- subsequent
- ensuing
Related Words
- prior
- antecedent
- earlier
ADVERB
7. Directly overhead or in a higher position
In or toward a position vertically higher than someone or something.
7.1. Directly overhead
Describes something positioned vertically over a person, place, or object.
Synonyms
- overhead
- aloft
- up above
Antonyms
- below
- beneath
- underneath
- under
Examples
- The stars glittered brightly in the sky above us.
Related Words
- skyward
- upward
- on high
7.2. Higher in a written document
Indicates a position earlier or higher in the same document, text, or written sequence.
Synonyms
- previously
- aforementioned
- earlier
- before
Antonyms
Related Words
- preceding
- foregoing
- prior
7.3. In or toward heaven or the sky
Describes a location or movement in the sky or toward a heavenly realm.
Synonyms
- aloft
- skyward
- upward
- on high
Antonyms
- downward
- below
Related Words
- heavenward
- celestial
- overhead
7.4. In a higher place or position
Indicates a location at a greater elevation, a higher level, or a position farther upstream.
Synonyms
- higher up
- overhead
- upstairs
- upstream
Antonyms
- below
- beneath
- downstairs
- downstream
Related Words
- aloft
- elevated
- upper
7.5. In a superior rank or position
Indicates a person or entity occupying a higher position in a hierarchy, authority structure, or social order.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- inferior
- lower
- subordinate
Related Words
- higher-ranking
- upper-level
- seniority
7.6. In addition or as an extra amount
Indicates something added to what has already been mentioned or included.
Synonyms
- additionally
- besides
- furthermore
- in addition
Related Words
7.7. In a quantity greater than a stated amount
Indicates a numerical amount or quantity exceeding a specified level or figure.
Synonyms
- more than
- over
- greater than
- exceeding
Antonyms
Related Words
- surpassing
- excess
- additional
7.8. At a temperature higher than zero or freezing
Indicates a temperature that is greater than zero degrees or above the freezing point.
Synonyms
- above freezing
- over zero
- higher than zero
Antonyms
- below freezing
- below zero
- under zero
Related Words
7.9. On the upper or dorsal surface of an animal
Indicates a position on the upper half or back-facing surface of an animal's body.
Synonyms
- dorsally
- on the upper surface
Antonyms
- ventrally
- underneath
Related Words
- dorsal
- upper side
- back
PREPOSITION
8. At a higher physical position or level
Situated at a greater height or in a position higher than something else.
8.1. Physically over or on top of something
Describes a position directly higher than another object, including something worn over other clothing.
Synonyms
- over
- on top of
- atop
Antonyms
- under
- beneath
- below
- underneath
Examples
- The painting hung above the fireplace, adding warmth to the room.
Related Words
- overhead
- uppermost
- aloft
8.2. At a higher elevation or location
Indicates that something is situated at a greater height or level than another place or surface.
Synonyms
- higher than
- over
- atop
Antonyms
Examples
- The mountain peak soared high above the clouds, offering breathtaking views.
Related Words
- elevated
- upper
- overhead
8.3. Farther north than a location
Indicates a geographical position located farther north than another place.
Synonyms
- north of
Antonyms
- south of
Related Words
- northern
- latitude
- northward
8.4. Rising or appearing at a higher elevation
Describes something that rises or becomes visible at a height beyond ordinary reach.
Synonyms
- rising over
- towering above
- looming over
Related Words
- emerging
- ascending
- soaring
8.5. Exceeding in quality, degree, or measure
Indicates that something is greater, better, or higher than another in quality, standard, degree, volume, or pitch.
Synonyms
- superior to
- greater than
- exceeding
- surpassing
- higher than
Antonyms
- inferior to
- less than
- below
Examples
- Please ensure that you keep safety above all else.
- His dedication to excellence sets him apart from others above his peers.
Related Words
- outstanding
- better
- greater
8.6. Higher in rank, status, or position
Indicates a person or organization having greater authority, rank, or social standing than another.
Synonyms
- superior to
- senior to
- higher-ranking than
Antonyms
- inferior to
- subordinate to
- junior to
Related Words
- higher authority
- superiority
- seniority
8.7. In addition to or besides something
Indicates that something is included in addition to another thing or goes beyond what has already been mentioned.
Synonyms
- besides
- in addition to
- over and above
Related Words
- additionally
- moreover
- extra
8.8. Exceeding a number or quantity
Indicates an amount, number, or quantity greater than a specified figure or limit.
Synonyms
- more than
- over
- greater than
- in excess of
Antonyms
Related Words
- surpassing
- exceeding
- additional
8.9. In preference to something
Indicates that one thing is chosen, valued, or prioritized instead of another.
Synonyms
- rather than
- in preference to
- instead of
Related Words
- prefer
- favor
- prioritize
8.10. Too proud or unwilling to do something
Describes being too proud, unwilling, or disinclined to engage in a particular action or behavior.
Synonyms
- too proud to
- averse to
- disinclined to
- unwilling to
Antonyms
- willing to
- inclined to
Related Words
- reluctant
- unwilling
- loath
8.11. Beyond or on the other side of something
Indicates a position farther than a particular point, boundary, or location.
Synonyms
- beyond
- past
- on the other side of
Antonyms
- within
- inside