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

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.
Recent Examples of outstanding There is so much outstanding potential in the Democratic Party. Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025 Sánchez had an outstanding deportation order stemming from a missed hearing in 2019, for which she was detained for nine months, Cañizares said. Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025 The thicker frame is reminiscent of an earlier era filled with outstanding fashion. Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Bob Kendrick and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum have been outstanding in this regard. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
Adjective
  • Whether infectious diseases or space exploration, these panels of experts are the unpaid brains behind the brawn of the U.S. government.
    Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The scourge of unpaid toll messages plaguing America has its origins in China, with Chinese phishing kits and criminals driving the scam state to state.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The research was designed to capture a look at much of the world, said study lead and report contributor Dr. Byron Johnson, distinguished professor of the social sciences at Baylor in Waco, Texas.
    Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Only this season for Valladolid has proved anything but distinguished.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While performance in European competition has propelled them into financial parity with Scandinavia’s biggest clubs, there’s an acceptance that when players shine, there will be interest from more affluent and prestigious sides.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Harassment, fear alter campus life As prestigious universities like Harvard became a focal point of outside scrutiny last year, external harassment had devastating effects on students, the report says.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The most notable success story was cornerback Jerry Jacobs, undrafted in 2021 out of Arkansas.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Philadelphia’s most notable sanctuary policy, an executive order signed by then-Mayor Jim Kenney in January 2016, is its refusal to have its jails honor ICE detainers or requests for release dates.
    Jennifer J. Lee, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Winning the French Open would be the 25th Grand Slam in Djokovic's illustrious career, with the No. 2 spot belonging to Nadal's 22.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The annual event took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where Coppola’s family, his close friends and colleagues lauded his illustrious career.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Villa have made up some ground this season, particularly because Newcastle have spent minimally in 2024-25, but the difference between the two is noteworthy.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • For Davenport, this news came after a relatively brief but noteworthy stint with the company.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The funeral will take place in St. Peter's Square, the famous large plaza in front of the basilica in Vatican City.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Indeed, attendees on the first Monday in May can more or less count on rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most famous actors, models, singers, humanitarians—and even politicians.
    Vogue, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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