Synonyms of outstanding

outstanding

adjective

au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ 

1

as in unpaid

not yet paid

there are several outstanding bills left, but at least we paid the rest

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unpaid
• payable
• owed
• owing
• overdue
• due
• unsettled
• mature

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cleared
• repaid
• liquidated
• settled
• paid (off or up)
• prepaid

2

as in distinguished

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement

the award goes to the most outstanding student in science

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinguished
• prestigious
• notable
• illustrious
• noteworthy
• famous
• superior
• eminent
• honored
• bright
• luminous
• renowned
• celebrated
• noble
• signal
• glorious
• star
• infamous
• redoubtable
• preeminent
• famed
• reputable
• notorious
• dominant
• astral
• exalted
• predominant
• paramount

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minor
• insignificant
• unimportant
• average
• mediocre
• inferior
• obscure
• unsung
• uncelebrated

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective outstanding differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of outstanding are conspicuous, noticeable, prominent, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

When could conspicuous be used to replace outstanding?

The synonyms conspicuous and outstanding are sometimes interchangeable, but conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When might noticeable be a better fit than outstanding?

The meanings of noticeable and outstanding largely overlap; however, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Where would prominent be a reasonable alternative to outstanding?

The words prominent and outstanding can be used in similar contexts, but prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

When is it sensible to use remarkable instead of outstanding?

The words remarkable and outstanding are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When can salient be used instead of outstanding?

While in some cases nearly identical to outstanding, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When would striking be a good substitute for outstanding?

While the synonyms striking and outstanding are close in meaning, striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of outstanding

The Video Vanguard Award celebrates artists for their outstanding contributions and profound impact on music videos and pop culture. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025

The Eagles won and Hurts played outstanding. —Zach Berman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

Over 60 percent of teachers have taken on student debt to enter the profession and nearly 40 percent have outstanding student loans, according to the latest federal data. —Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025

Freedom Debt Relief Highlights Freedom Debt Relief has resolved over $20 billion in outstanding debts since 2002. —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025