apex

The time or stage when someone or something is most successful or powerful.

• The empire reached its apex under this ruler.
• At the apex of his career, he retired.
• The victory marked the apex of her sporting success.

How to use it: the apex of something (She was at the apex of her career.)

Similar words: peak, height, pinnacle

Opposites: nadir

Common phrases: apex of power, apex of success, reach the apex

The highest part of something, especially where it forms a point.

• The roof rises to an apex.
• A bird perched at the apex of the arch.
• The tower’s apex was hidden by clouds.

How to use it: the apex of something (A flag flew at the apex of the roof.)

Similar words: top, peak, summit

Opposites: base

Common phrases: the apex, apex of something, roof apex

The point at the top of a cone or pyramid, opposite its base.

• Mark the apex of the pyramid.
• A line joins the cone’s apex to its base.
• The two pyramids meet at their apexes.

How to use it: the apex of something (Measure the distance from the apex of the cone to its base.)

Similar words: vertex

Opposites: base

Common phrases: apex of a cone, the pyramid apex, apex angle

The point on a racing path through a corner that is closest to the inside edge.

• The driver missed the apex.
• She braked early and hit the apex perfectly.
• A late apex helped him accelerate out of the corner.

Similar words: peak, top, summit, vertex

Common phrases: hit the apex, miss the apex, a late apex