upright

1 of 3

adjective

up·​right ˈəp-ˌrīt How to pronounce upright (audio)
1
b
: erect in carriage or posture
c
: having the main axis or a main part perpendicular
upright freezer
2
: marked by strong moral rectitude
an upright citizen
uprightly adverb
uprightness noun

upright

2 of 3

adverb

: vertically upward : in an upright position

upright

3 of 3

noun

1
: the state of being upright : perpendicular
a pillar out of upright
2
: something that stands upright
especially : a football goalpost
usually used in plural
3
Choose the Right Synonym for upright

upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable mean having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right.

upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

Examples of upright in a Sentence

Adjective Put your seat back in the upright position. The container should be kept upright to prevent leaks. Noun The uprights of the structure were embedded in concrete.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
There are mixed and monochrome looks, including cashmere coats with contrasting lapels, tuxedos, trousers with side stripes, and the brand’s signature Spagna shirt with an upright collar. Samantha Conti, WWD, 2 Oct. 2024 An upright nose with a three-bar gloss black grille, horizontal running lights and headlights lead to a long hood and flared front fenders. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 2 Oct. 2024
Adverb
The spare tire is mounted upright in the bed, up against the glass of the cabin and blocks a good third of the view out the back window. Josh Max, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 Though the carrozza also is tempting — the brioche buffalo mozzarella sandwich is coated and fried to crisp perfection, with each triangle standing upright on a pool of Parmesan fonduta and topped with truffle shavings. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024
Noun
And from 63 yards out, the field goal split the uprights off his right foot as Joe Cardona snapped and Bryce Baringer held. Oliver Thomas, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 That includes a rookie kicker in Joshua Katy, who split the uprights with a 37-yard field goal which removed the bagel under the Rams’ games won column. Jay Paris, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for upright 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'upright.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upright was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near upright

Cite this Entry

“Upright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upright. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

upright

1 of 2 adjective
up·​right ˈəp-ˌrīt How to pronounce upright (audio)
1
a
: vertical entry 1 sense 2
an upright posture
b
: having the main axis or a main part perpendicular
2
: living by high moral standards : honorable
uprightness noun

upright

2 of 2 noun
1
: an upright or vertical position
2
: something upright

More from Merriam-Webster on upright

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!