upstanding

adjective

up·​stand·​ing ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce upstanding (audio)
ˈəp-ˌstan-
1
2
: marked by integrity
an upstanding businessman
upstandingness noun

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
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.
The trade laws are portrayed as necessary for protecting upstanding U.S. companies and their workers from predatory practices of foreign producers hell bent on driving down prices and driving American firms out of business. Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Yes, but: Critics say Latter-day Saints in the media are inaccurately portrayed as polygamous, religious extremists or upstanding citizens. Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 6 Aug. 2024 Angelo describes Montrel as an upstanding, respectful young man, not the type to get into trouble. Nicolás Viñuela, NBC News, 22 July 2024 But, while Norman was turning into an upstanding adult, the same could not be said of his younger brother. Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for upstanding 

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near upstanding

Cite this Entry

“Upstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upstanding. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

upstanding

adjective
up·​stand·​ing ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce upstanding (audio)
ˈəp-ˌstan-

More from Merriam-Webster on upstanding

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!