OUTSTANDING Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

outstanding

adjective

au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ

Definition of outstanding next

as in unpaid

not yet paid there are several outstanding bills left, but at least we paid the rest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Selection criteria is based on a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character, the release said. —

Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 Even DeAndre Jordan, who has been Malone’s most serviceable backup center, turned in an outstanding performance. —

Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2025 Yet, through its sheer commitment to over-the-top silliness, Crimson Desert may yet transcend these outstanding influences. —

Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025 The Caps are terrific, thanks in part to an outstanding offseason and a few key breakouts. —

Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outstanding

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding

Adjective

The slew foot is undoubtedly the most dangerous play in hockey and as such, Nashville Predators forward Zachary L'Heureux will be taking some unpaid rest and relaxation time in the coming days.

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
In the end, Carvajal, the officer who kept his phone recording, received a one-day unpaid suspension.

Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025