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 Credit Grier for signing James Daniels, an outstanding guard, to a value contract coming off a torn Achilles. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 The Wild Turkey 8 YO is an exceptional bourbon with an outstanding value at a $45 retail list price. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025 The show was also a huge hit, scoring 61 Emmy nominations in just three seasons, and winning 13, including outstanding comedy series. —Keith Langston, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025 Both Tawny Ports are outstanding, as is the entire range. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 22 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
  • The group positioned 2024 as a year of transition following the acquisition from Galeries Lafayette, though it has been plagued with rumors of unpaid invoices and emptier shelves at the historical location.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of unpaid
Adjective
  • Michel Koopman is the CEO & Founder at CxO Coaching, with a distinguished career as a senior operator and entrepreneur.
    — Michel Koopman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Nestled along the storied banks of the River Thames, 15 Cheyne Walk stands as one of Chelsea’s most distinguished homes, a residence steeped in history, grandeur, and a 300-year-old legacy.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Maxton Hall Season 2 Is Underway — Here’s Everything to Know About the Series' Return When Ruby (Harriet Herbig-Matten) accidentally uncovers an explosive secret at her prestigious high school, millionaire heir James (Damian Hardung) has to keep her close.
    — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Darryn Peterson on Tuesday night joined a veritable ‘who’s who’ in the basketball world in winning co-MVP honors at the prestigious McDonald’s All-America game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • When the puck entered the net behind Sorokin, Ovechkin dove to his stomach in celebration — evoking memories of his notable swim in a D.C. fountain during Washington’s 2018 Stanley Cup celebratioin.
    — Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Still, Tanev achieved a notable milestone by setting Toronto’s all-time single-season block record.
    — Nick Ashbourne, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of notable
Adjective
  • Whatever her outcome this season, both Grooms and Johnson realize the end of her illustrious high school career is near.
    — Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2025
  • UConn women’s basketball superstar Paige Bueckers will try to finish her illustrious college career this weekend with an elusive prize—a national championship—after determining the financial upside of remaining in school is not worth forgoing the 2025 WNBA Draft.
    — Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • Haas cited Edna Valencia, the first Afro-Colombian journalist to wear an afro hairstyle on Colombian television, as a noteworthy example.
    — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The Cowboys made one noteworthy move Thursday by trading for backup quarterback Joe Milton.
    — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of noteworthy
Adjective
  • If the book falters, the production numbers – some based on famous Marilyn images and tropes, like the Seven Year Itch‘s subway grate scene, and the Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend bit – are suitably flashy.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The film features a beloved, A-list British cast, a famous Australian villain and a cameo by the author of the bestselling book series, which debuted in 1958.
    — Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 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 15 Apr. 2025.

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