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 Micky van de Ven will come in alongside Romero, who made an error for Spurs’ third goal but has largely impressed since returning from injury, while Bergvall and Bentancur, who was outstanding in the home leg, will inevitably return to the midfield. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 An investigation revealed the vehicle was previously stolen from Merced and was still outstanding. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025 The sophomore forward from Northville, Mich., was voted the Frozen Four’s outstanding player. —John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 Listen to this article Mayor Adams on Monday urged the judge presiding over his public corruption case to hurry up and decide on outstanding dismissal motions before upcoming deadlines in the mayoral race. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 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
  • Meanwhile, as the FTC has just warned once again, any unpaid toll bill text is almost certainly a scam.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Read more The text scam warning about unpaid toll charges The best identity theft protection services What is identity theft protection?
    — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of unpaid
Adjective
  • Over time, inhaling these harmful chemicals can contribute to progressive lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Sanjay Sethi, MD, SUNY distinguished professor and chief of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the University at Buffalo.
    — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Palmer was just one of several celebrities and distinguished guests who attended the Fashion Trust Awards on Tuesday.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • If Cullen marries his daughter, perhaps he’ll be inclined to complete a letter of recommendation that the young man had requested for a prestigious fellowship.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
  • President Trump has long celebrated his familial ties to MIT, a prestigious college that has spared no criticism of the administration's policies in recent weeks.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • Champ Celebration: The Royals will welcome back notable alumni for championship gala Here are more notable aspects of Thursday’s game: Michael Massey records three hits The Royals need productive at-bats.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Set on Royal Terrace—one of Edinburgh’s most notable streets—a 19th-century Georgian townhouse has just hit the market with Knight Frank for £2.95 million (about $3.9 million).
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of notable
Adjective
  • Comedian Denis Leary is crediting a nun for his illustrious career in Hollywood.
    — Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • For decades now Obama has been the perfect politician’s spouse, accompanying her husband through his illustrious career and setting her own ambitions aside.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • The distance from Dunedin, where the reserve is located, to mainland Antarctica is more than 1,500 miles, and the distance to the isolated islands is even farther, so while the species themselves are not rare, their appearance so far outside their natural range is noteworthy.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025
  • While the Cleveland Browns ended up keeping Garrett with a massive contract extension, Philadelphia's interest is noteworthy.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of noteworthy
Adjective
  • Augusta National will play host to 95 of the top golfers on the planet this weekend, and only one will don the famous green jacket early Sunday evening.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The all cash deal, valued at $1.375 billion, will merge two of the most famous Italian luxury fashion brands under one roof.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of famous

Browse Nearby Words

outspreads
outstanding
outstare
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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