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laterally Synonyms
Another word for laterally
Choosing another word for laterally depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• adverb (Context 1)
Toward the side, from the side, or in a sideways direction.
Usage Example
"The crab moved sideways across the sandy beach toward the tide pool."
Strongest
sideways
sidewise
Strong
horizontally
transversely
• adverb (Context 2)
At an equivalent rank or level within an organization or hierarchy, or by approaching problems through indirect and creative reasoning.
Usage Example
"Rather than seeking a vertical promotion, she transferred horizontally to gain experience in a different department."
Strong
horizontally
creatively
Opposites of laterally
The opposite of laterally shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
medially
vertically
longitudinally
linearly
lengthwise
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Laterally. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/laterally