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 Our nominees this year are all exceptional and absolutely deserving of recognition and celebration for their outstanding work. —Chris Barilla, People.com, 10 May 2025 Members of the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club gathered recently to send off six outstanding AVID students from San Dieguito Academy who were selected to attend the 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) weekend. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 May 2025 In 2003, Biafra was ordered by California’s Court of Appeal to replay the outstanding royalties with additional punitive damages. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 9 May 2025 Her thirty-five-year corporate journey has been marked by outstanding achievement and transformative influence. —Mamie Jones, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 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
  • In some cases, lawyers said students had their legal statuses altered for minor traffic violations, such as unpaid parking tickets.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The unpaid toll messages are part of a group of scams, known as smishing scams, that target victims with text messages seeking to convince them to click a malicious link or provide sensitive information.
    — Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Definition of unpaid
Adjective
  • Udit Mehrotra is a distinguished product leader who currently serves as Head of Product Management for Customer Experience at Amazon Canada.
    — Udit Mehrotra, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Cruise will be honoured by the BFI on Monday with the awarding of a distinguished BFI Fellowship.
    — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 May 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Relationships with prestigious cellars lead to special bottle acquisitions.
    — Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • The team has permitted Derice, a two-time winner of the prestigious BART scouting award, a chance to pursue new opportunities, according to Neil Stratton of Inside The League.
    — Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • Name Drop: Guess the identity of a notable person in six clues.
    — Clare Malone, New Yorker, 12 May 2025
  • Other notable matches from the 2018 Evolution included Toni Storm's victory over Io Shirai in the Mae Young Classic final and Shayna Baszler's triumph over Kairi Sane for the NXT Women's Championship, marking Baszler's historic second reign.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Definition of notable
Adjective
  • The past tense, unfortunately, has to be used with confirmation on Monday that Kohli has retired from Test cricket after an illustrious 14-year career spanning 123 Tests.
    — Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • While not the same fighter in the back end of his illustrious career, Pacquiao still commanded hefty paydays.
    — Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 9 May 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • Participants in a trial reported a small – 9% – but nonetheless noteworthy improvement in their symptoms when combined with standard medication.
    — Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
  • Throw in a pond, mature olive orchard, water access and panoramic Butte Valley views and the moderate asking price seems noteworthy: $988,000.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2025
Definition of noteworthy
Adjective
  • But the famous DreamWorks ogre almost had a very different voice, with Myers' fellow Saturday Night Live alum Chris Farley originally attached.
    — EW Staff, EW.com, 18 May 2025
  • The other, called Dominator, is owned by the famous chaser Reed Timmer.
    — Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 18 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 21 May. 2025.

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