Peak: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe the highest point of physical objects like mountains or in abstract terms like career achievements. Informal and versatile.

• He reached the peak of the mountain just before sunset.
• She was at the peak of her career when she won the award.

Refers to the highest point, as in a mountain or hill, and also used to describe high-level meetings between leaders.

• They finally reached the summit after a long climb.
• World leaders met at the summit to discuss climate change.

General term for the highest part of any object or situation, very versatile and common in everyday language.

• He placed the book on the top shelf.
• She is at the top of her class.

Typically used to describe the top of waves or ridges. It also can refer to the highest part of something that is moving or changing.

• The surfer rode the crest of the wave perfectly.
• The bird soared above the crest of the hill.

Describes the highest point of success or power, often used in formal or literary contexts.

• Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
• The castle stood on the pinnacle of the mountain.

Used to describe the highest point, either literally or figuratively. Commonly used in physical, performance, or life achievements.

• He reached the peak of the mountain after a challenging hike.
• She was at the peak of her career when she won the award.

Used to describe the top or highest part of something, often in a more formal or technical context. Can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

• The apex of the pyramid is a point of great architectural interest.
• She reached the apex of her influence in the industry last year.

Used to describe the highest point reached by an object or person, often in terms of success or physical position. It has a somewhat formal and grandiose tone.

• At the zenith of his popularity, the singer sold out stadiums worldwide.
• The sun was at its zenith, casting strong shadows on the ground.

Used to describe the highest point of something, often in terms of development, quality, or perfection. It has a slightly more sophisticated tone.

• This model represents the acme of engineering design.
• The company reached its acme in the early nineties with its innovative products.

Used to describe the final act, ultimate event, or point of highest development, often after a long period of development or effort.

• The symphony's final movement was the culmination of all the themes presented earlier.
• Graduation was the culmination of her years of hard work and dedication.

Use 'peak' when referring to the highest point or value of something, often in a general or natural context.

• The mountain's peak was covered in snow.
• Sales are expected to peak during the holiday season.

Use 'reach a climax' when discussing the most intense, exciting, or important point of something, often in narratives or performance arts.

• The story reached a climax with an unexpected twist.
• The musical performance reached a climax at the final crescendo.

Use 'hit a high' when referring to achieving a significant point or value, often in contexts like finance or performance metrics.

• The stock prices hit a high for the year yesterday.
• His career hit a high with the release of his newest album.

Use 'top out' when indicating that something has reached its maximum level, often in a context that involves limitations or ceilings, sometimes implying that no further progress can be expected.

• The athlete's performance seems to have topped out; he hasn't improved his time in over a year.
• The construction of the building topped out at 20 stories.