erect
6 synonyms and 2 antonyms for erect, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Standing straight up; upright rather than leaning or bent over.
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. adjective
Standing straight up; upright rather than leaning or bent over.
“The soldier stood perfectly erect during the inspection.”
Opposites
flaccid
unerect
How to use erect
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
erect posture
erect a building
erect a fence
stand erect
Etymology
From Latin erectus, "raised up," the past participle of erigere — from e- ("out") plus regere ("to direct, keep straight").
Full origin of erect →Frequently asked questions
What does “erect” mean?
The word “erect” means standing straight up; upright rather than leaning or bent over.
How do you pronounce “erect”?
“Erect” is pronounced ih-REHKT (/ɪˈɹɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “erect” in a sentence?
Here is “erect” used in a sentence: “The soldier stood perfectly erect during the inspection.”
What is another word for “erect”?
Words with a similar meaning to “erect” include build.
What is the opposite of “erect”?
The opposite of “erect” — its antonyms — is flaccid.
What part of speech is “erect”?
Depending on how it is used, “erect” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “erect” come from?
The word “erect” comes from Latin. From Latin erectus, "raised up," the past participle of erigere — from e- ("out") plus regere ("to direct, keep straight").
Is “erect” a common word?
“Erect” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
