crest
10 synonyms and 3 antonyms for crest, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The highest point of something, such as a hill or wave.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The highest point of something, such as a hill or wave.
“They paused at the crest of the hill to catch their breath.”
Opposites
2. verb
To reach the top of something, or to rise to a peak.
“The wave crested just before it broke.”
How to use crest
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
crest of a wave
family crest
crest a hill
Etymology
From Old French creste, ultimately from Latin crista, "tuft, comb" — a doublet of "crista".
Full origin of crest →Frequently asked questions
What does “crest” mean?
The word “crest” means the highest point of something, such as a hill or wave. In plain terms, the top or peak of something, an animal's head-tuft, or an emblem/logo.
How do you pronounce “crest”?
“Crest” is pronounced krehst (/kɹɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “crest” in a sentence?
Here is “crest” used in a sentence: “They paused at the crest of the hill to catch their breath.”
What part of speech is “crest”?
Depending on how it is used, “crest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “crest” come from?
The word “crest” comes from Latin. From Old French creste, ultimately from Latin crista, "tuft, comb" — a doublet of "crista".
Is “crest” a common word?
“Crest” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “crest” have?
“Crest” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the highest point of something, such as a hill or wave.
What is the difference between a crest and a peak?
A peak usually refers to the pointed top of a mountain, while a crest is the highest point of something more rounded or wave-like, such as a hill or a wave. Crest is especially common for describing the top of a wave just before it breaks.
What does it mean for a family to have a crest?
A family crest is a decorative emblem, historically used to identify a family or institution, often displayed on shields, seals, or stationery. This sense of crest comes from the same word used for a tuft of feathers or fur on an animal's head, both referring to something prominent at the top.
What does it mean when a river or flood is expected to crest?
When a river or flood is said to crest, it means it is expected to reach its highest point before beginning to recede. This use of crest as a verb reflects the idea of rising to a peak, just as a wave crests before breaking.
