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 longer the notes are outstanding, the greater the return. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 2 June 2025 Heller's role on Mad Men earned her an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actress in a drama series thanks to her scene-stealing performance as secretary Ida Blankenship. —Keith Langston, People.com, 1 June 2025 This novel juggles a lot, but Golden directs it all with the confidence and flair of a seasoned orchestra conductor to deliver another outstanding read. —Gabino Iglesias, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Eleven Nativity School students received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award on June 9 for their outstanding work in community service projects. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 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
  • Just days after the high court delivered its ruling last week, the Walt Disney Company put 45 employees who have TPS on unpaid leave.
    — Miami Herald Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025
  • These have often sprung from unpaid bills for luxury items, such as monthly payments on a Lamborghini and a furnished home in Miami.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
Definition of unpaid
Adjective
  • It’s been a long time since Florida’s university system was put to such disgrace as the Board of Governors did Tuesday in rejecting the distinguished scholar Santa Ono as the lone finalist for president of the University of Florida.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • Today, that distinguished tradition continues, with the distillery's current leadership or their cadre of seasoned master tasters personally vetting these casks.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Chapter One The Political Science major at Warren University was a prestigious murder weapon.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • During his 16 years tenure as CEO, David and his team helped to elevate the already prestigious brand to become one of the top luxury wines in the world, expanding distribution to over 90 countries and increasing the value of the brand from an average of $200 to over $500 per bottle.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • While the new wave of violence certainly appears to have been inspired by the war in Gaza, there are notable differences between the attacks in Washington, D.C. and the one in Boulder, said Javed Ali, senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council in 2017 and 2018.
    — Will Carless, USA Today, 5 June 2025
  • One notable fan who publicly questioned the cancellation is Brandon Sanderson, who penned the final three books in Robert Jordan’s fantasy series.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of notable
Adjective
  • Simón may not have a long, illustrious major league career ahead of him.
    — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • The Spaniard won a record 14 titles at the clay-court grand slam during his illustrious career and Roland Garros gave its legendary champion one last special goodbye on Sunday.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • News and Noteworthy Ahead of the event, here’s some news and noteworthy items for MLP. - Just ahead of the event on 5/29/25: UPA fines and suspends Quang Duong for playing in an unsanctioned (and clearly unapproved) event while traveling to Vietnam to support his new paddle sponsor.
    — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • This is noteworthy in that a great many people are prepared to accept many things for peace.
    — Diedrich Diederichsen, Artforum, 1 June 2025
Definition of noteworthy
Adjective
  • For the last 26 years, the world’s most famous arena has been hollow in June.
    — James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • The show is meant to resemble the actual speaking engagements Twain did after he had become established as one of the world’s most famous and popular authors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of outstanding for Spanish Speakers

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