It may be necessary to think laterally to come up with a good solution.
Source: tatoeba (12127832)
Laterally
/ˈlæ.tə.ɹə.li/
Synonyms for "laterally" (18 found)
Ranked by relevance and common usage.
Closest matches (4)
Strong matches (5)
Adverb(3 words)
Related words (9)
Choosing the right synonym
- Closest matches in this entry: along the side, aside, aside, askance, broadside.
- Sentence evidence is available for laterally, so synonym choice can be checked against real usage rather than a flat word list.
- Ranking signals come from opengloss, derived_reverse.
Synonym selection checklist
- Match the part of speech before comparing meanings.
- Check whether the synonym changes intensity, formality, or emotional tone.
- Read the replacement inside the full sentence, not just beside "laterally".
- Prefer the clearest word over the most unusual word when writing for speed or comprehension.
When not to replace "laterally"
Keep "laterally" when the sentence already sounds natural, when a synonym would add unintended emphasis, or when readers need the most familiar wording. A synonym should clarify or sharpen the message, not simply make the sentence look more varied.
If two options seem close, choose the one that best matches the audience and purpose of the sentence.
Replacement workflow
1. Preserve meaning
Choose a synonym only if it keeps the core idea of "laterally" intact in the sentence you are editing.
2. Tune tone
Check whether the replacement sounds more formal, casual, emotional, technical, or forceful than the original word.
3. Re-read context
Read the full sentence after the swap. Keep the synonym only when the sentence becomes clearer or more precise.
Review note: Synonym lists are ranked with lexical data and reviewed for practical writing value. Use the comparison notes, sentence evidence, and source labels together; a high-ranking synonym can still be wrong when the audience, register, or grammar changes.
Final fit check
After choosing a replacement for "laterally", read the sentence once for meaning and once for rhythm. The best synonym should feel natural in the full sentence, not only accurate in a word list.
If the synonym makes the sentence slower, vaguer, or more dramatic than intended, keep "laterally" or choose a simpler alternative from the closest-match group.
Related word relations
OpenGloss and ConceptNet supply richer edges like generalizations, collocations, and derivations.
More general
2 entriesadverbdirectional adverb
More specific
6 entrieslateral biaslateral shiftlateral tiltlateral translationto the left sideto the right side
Collocations
6 entriesapplied laterallylateral biaslateral distributionlateral movementmove laterallysideways distribution
Inflections
2 entriesmore laterallymost laterally
Derivations
6 entriesSample sentences
3 total sentences available.
The first known way past the brick wall of Level 29 was a technique that became known as hypertapping. By using a special grip that lets you vibrate a finger over the D-pad directions at least 10 times a second, you can effectively skip the "delayed autoshift" (DAS) that limits how fast pieces can move laterally when the D-pad is held down.
Source: wiktionary
The trial running tests which were made with the vehicles showed that they ride very steadily laterally, with almost complete absence of oscillation at all speeds.
Source: wiktionary
Common questions
What are the closest synonyms for "laterally"?
Closest matches include along the side, aside, aside, askance, broadside.
How should I check whether a synonym fits "laterally"?
Compare the replacement against real sentence context. This entry includes sample sentences so you can check tone, grammar, and meaning before swapping words.