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

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

There’s a striking tension between Hildebrand’s status as one of the country’s most prolific polluters and his otherwise conventional life as a God-fearing, upstanding Texas businessman. — Alex Cuadros, ProPublica, 16 June 2026

In its archetypal form, the seduction plot features a sybaritic aristocrat who attempts to debauch an upstanding daughter of the bourgeoisie. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

The series follows an upstanding family man who spirals into a life of crime after killing someone in a bicycle accident, driven by the noble but futile goal of never hurting anyone ever again. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 May 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