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

Drawing district lines to effectively disenfranchise voters and ensure a seat in Congress for some partisan hack was a dark-of-night sort of thing that the public hated, not an honorable practice for upstanding citizens. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

But not before Elinor has fallen in love with Edward Ferrars (George MacKay), Fanny’s handsome and upstanding brother, during a family visit. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

As his father became more trapped by his criminal enterprises, Flynn remained decent and upstanding. — Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

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

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