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

Relevance

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 But Slay played through the whistle, and the tight end’s hands, for an outstanding pass breakup. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025 Its lake is one of six meteoritic lakes in the world, recognized for their outstanding scientific value. —Marian Selorm Sapah, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2025 He’s been an outstanding addition to a talent-hungry secondary. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025 The film had an outstanding run at the box office, opening with a record-breaking $183 million Memorial Day weekend debut. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 22 July 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
  • What the politicians don’t realize is that the national parks already operated on a tight budget and rely heavily on unpaid volunteers.
    — Tom Montgomery Fate, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
  • The Reserves of the world generally make money not from the interest on unpaid balances but from transaction fees charged to businesses.
    — Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
Definition of unpaid
Adjective
  • The organizers of the 2024 Games in Paris allowed some of that city’s most distinguished landmarks to be utilized as part of the spectacle.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2025
  • With contributions spanning nearly three-decades in public education, Janicek has established a distinguished track record of innovative leadership, strategic foresight, and unparalleled community engagement, the news release stated.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2025
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • The film, which has just been announced to world premiere in Toronto’s prestigious Platform competition, is a co-production between Argentina’s Ruda Cine and Switzerland’s Alina Film.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 22 July 2025
  • Mitchell went to Europe immediately after college and has carved out a successful pro career, first in France for two years, then one with a different club in Turkey, then last season with Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania that competes in the prestigious EuroLeague.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2025
Definition of prestigious
Adjective
  • Other notable names on the flight logs include former Democratic President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., The New York Times reported.
    — Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
  • The production filmed across several notable locations in the South American country, mostly in Antioquia, a department in northwest Colombia that lies mostly within the Andes, extending toward the Caribbean Sea.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 23 July 2025
Definition of notable
Adjective
  • The Mountain View Los Altos Soccer Club added to its long and illustrious history on Monday when the MVLA Gunners, its under-16 girls team, won the Elite Clubs National League championship in Richmond, Va.
    — Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
  • But not the illustrious seasons of Wright’s past, the more dubious ones.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
Definition of illustrious
Adjective
  • Particularly noteworthy, given the focus on lowering drug costs discussed above, the tariffs will increase the price of lower-cost generic medicines, which account for 90% of all medicines prescribed annually.
    — Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Even without Allen, there were several noteworthy performances during the session.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of noteworthy
Adjective
  • One hurdle Doggett thinks could get in the way of progress in Austin is its most famous billionaire, Elon Musk.
    — Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Guests have an incredible closeup of Toronto’s most famous landmark, the CN Tower, from the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 29 July 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 6 Aug. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on outstanding

Nglish: Translation of outstanding for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All