outstanding

adjective

au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce outstanding (audio)
Definition of outstandingnext
1
as in unpaid
not yet paid there are several outstanding bills left, but at least we paid the rest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in distinguished
standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement the award goes to the most outstanding student in science

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective outstanding differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of outstanding are conspicuous, noticeable, prominent, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

When could conspicuous be used to replace outstanding?

The synonyms conspicuous and outstanding are sometimes interchangeable, but conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When might noticeable be a better fit than outstanding?

The meanings of noticeable and outstanding largely overlap; however, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Where would prominent be a reasonable alternative to outstanding?

The words prominent and outstanding can be used in similar contexts, but prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

When is it sensible to use remarkable instead of outstanding?

The words remarkable and outstanding are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When can salient be used instead of outstanding?

While in some cases nearly identical to outstanding, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When would striking be a good substitute for outstanding?

While the synonyms striking and outstanding are close in meaning, striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of outstanding The driver was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence and the passenger in the truck was arrested on an outstanding warrant. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2025 During a routine traffic stop in Tarrant County in 2022, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper arrested Arteaga on an outstanding warrant related to the case. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2025 Create Your Canadian Credit Profile with Confidence Using Comparison Tools Over the last couple of years, Canadian borrowers have managed to bounce back despite facing rising debt due to outstanding balances nationwide. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 July 2025 Indeed, Nvidia has delivered outstanding financial performance. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
  1. unpaid
  2. distinguished
  3. prestigious
  4. notable
  5. illustrious
  6. noteworthy
  7. famous
Adjective
  • Your peace and power are worth more than any unpaid invoice.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The unpaid taxes had previously ranged from $394,000 to $565,000, according to public records.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 July 2025
Definition of unpaid
Adjective
  • The organizers of the 2024 Games in Paris allowed some of that city’s most distinguished landmarks to be utilized as part of the spectacle.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2025
  • In June, Adam Sadovsky, with nearly 18 years of experience at Google, most recently as a distinguished software engineer and senior director at DeepMind, decamped to Microsoft.
    — Jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 July 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The film, which has just been announced to world premiere in Toronto’s prestigious Platform competition, is a co-production between Argentina’s Ruda Cine and Switzerland’s Alina Film.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 22 July 2025
  • Mitchell went to Europe immediately after college and has carved out a successful pro career, first in France for two years, then one with a different club in Turkey, then last season with Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania that competes in the prestigious EuroLeague.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • The production filmed across several notable locations in the South American country, mostly in Antioquia, a department in northwest Colombia that lies mostly within the Andes, extending toward the Caribbean Sea.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 July 2025
  • Other notable names on the flight logs include former Democratic President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., The New York Times reported.
    — Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
Definition of notable
Adjective
  • The Mountain View Los Altos Soccer Club added to its long and illustrious history on Monday when the MVLA Gunners, its under-16 girls team, won the Elite Clubs National League championship in Richmond, Va.
    — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
  • But not the illustrious seasons of Wright’s past, the more dubious ones.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • Another noteworthy space is the primary bathroom, which features a standalone tub sourced from Vintage Tub & Bath, with a custom surround built by Roundy.
    — Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • There’s also one small, but noteworthy tweak to what the reserves can cover.
    — CD Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Definition of noteworthy
Adjective
  • The hotel is only steps away from Asteria beach, the most famous swimming spot in the port.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • Arguably, the most famous sub-Neptune is K2-18b, an exoplanet which recently made global headlines due to the claim that dimethyl sulfide had been detected in its atmosphere.
    — Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of famous

Browse Nearby Words

outspreads
outstanding
outstare
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Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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