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
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.
Adjective
The footage demonstrates how a humanoid robot can stay upright even in challenging conditions. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025 In this case, the Quartermaster’s truck bed helps the overall profile look slightly less upright, without losing any of the boxy and rugged aesthetic. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2025
Adverb
Constructed of saffiano leather, this is no basic tote—the wide bottom keeps the bag standing upright and looking elegant. Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2025 Just moments later, the robot slips on a carpet and collapses to the ground, only to spring back upright in less than a second. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
Against the New York Giants on Sunday night, Butler doinked in his first field goal — a 54-yarder — off the left upright. Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025 Single service handles not stored facing one direction to minimize hand contact with the business end or with the handle facing upright. Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upright

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Upright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upright. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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
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