ceiling
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for ceiling, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The interior surface that forms the top of a room.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
upper limit
ceil
Antonyms
How to use ceiling
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hit a ceiling
glass ceiling
debt ceiling
high ceilings
Etymology
From Middle English celing, related to an Old French word meaning "to conceal" — originally referring to the wall panelling as much as the overhead surface.
Full origin of ceiling →Frequently asked questions
What does “ceiling” mean?
The word “ceiling” means the interior surface that forms the top of a room. In plain terms, the surface above your head in a room, or, more broadly, any upper limit on something.
How do you pronounce “ceiling”?
“Ceiling” is pronounced SEE-lihng (/ˈsilɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “ceiling” in a sentence?
Here is “ceiling” used in a sentence: “Water stains spread across the bedroom ceiling after the leak.”
What is another word for “ceiling”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ceiling” include ceil.
What is the opposite of “ceiling”?
The opposite of “ceiling” — its antonyms — is floor.
What part of speech is “ceiling”?
“Ceiling” is a noun.
Where does the word “ceiling” come from?
The word “ceiling” comes from Old French. From Middle English celing, related to an Old French word meaning "to conceal" — originally referring to the wall panelling as much as the overhead surface.
Is “ceiling” a common word?
“Ceiling” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a ceiling and a roof?
A ceiling is the interior surface forming the top of a room, seen from inside, while a roof is the outer structure that covers a building from the top. You look up at a ceiling indoors, but the roof is what protects the building from the weather outside. The two are separate surfaces with a space often between them.
What is the difference between a ceiling and a floor in economics?
A ceiling is an upper limit on an amount or price, while a floor is a lower limit below which it cannot fall. A price ceiling caps how high a price may go, and a price floor sets the minimum. The two terms are opposites used to describe boundaries.
