upstanding

adjective

up·​stand·​ing ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ 

ˈəp-ˌstan-

1

: erect, upright

2

: marked by integrity

an upstanding businessman

upstandingness noun

Synonyms of upstanding

• honorable
• honest
• ethical
• respectable
• noble

Examples of upstanding in a Sentence

upstanding members of the community

a fine, upstanding woman who deserves to be nominated to the state's highest court

Recent Examples on the Web

The story might have at least a modicum of suspense if any of the upstanding townspeople were seen as struggling with the idea of murdering a trusted friend. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Other than stealing a car in his late teens, McCurley had appeared to be an upstanding citizen. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2026

However, that would change in the 1960s when the countercultural movement became the new enemy of all upstanding, tax-paying citizens. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026

But did Spilotro go about life as an upstanding model citizen who rubbed elbows with the Vegas elite, while quietly and stealthily protecting the Mafia's financial interests in Vegas casinos? — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing upstanding

• be upstanding

Rhymes for upstanding

• commanding
• demanding
• disbanding
• expanding
• freestanding
• misbranding
• outstanding
• remanding
• withstanding
• banding
• branding
• handing

Kids Definition

upstanding

adjective

up·​stand·​ing ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ 

ˈəp-ˌstan-

1

: vertical entry 1 sense 2

2

: honest entry 1 sense 3