OUTSTANDING Synonyms: 51 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

outstanding

adjective

au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ

Definition of outstanding

as in unpaid

not yet paid there are several outstanding bills left, but at least we paid the rest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in distinguished

standing above others in rank, importance, or achievement the award goes to the most outstanding student in science

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 His competition for the outstanding live variety special Emmy will be The 83rd Annual Golden Globes (CBS); The 68th Annual Grammy Awards (CBS); The Oscars (ABC); and The 78th Annual Tony Awards (CBS). — Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 July 2026 Additionally, the name of the outstanding television movie category has been changed to outstanding movie to reflect the evolving landscape of cinematic content created for broadcast or streaming. — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 8 July 2026 Another outstanding rug in the lineup this week is this easy-to-clean jute number from Joon Loloi at 60% off. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026 Sources close to Mourinho, who was reappointed as Madrid manager in June, having also led the club from 2010-13, have praised Mbappe’s outstanding form at the World Cup. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for outstanding

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding

Adjective

An Associated Press article highlighted how some colleges and local governments are helping stop-out students return by removing seemingly small but significant barriers, such as unpaid fees, complicated processes or lack of personalized outreach.

— Catherine Wehlburg, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
But the development stalled, spawning lawsuits and disputes over $20 million in unpaid work.

— Carolyn Komatsoulis Updated July 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 July 2026

Definition of unpaid

Adjective

To mark the occasion of America’s centennial, the people of Taunton, Massachusetts, invited James Russell Lowell—distinguished poet, founding editor of The Atlantic—to compose and read an ode for the Fourth of July.

— Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative, is a member of the British Parliament and a distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute.

— Tom Tugendhat, Washington Post, 2 July 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

It was published by the prestigious Paris publishing house Gallimard in 1946, but sold poorly and received no reviews.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
The goal of the aid pledges is to persuade middle-class families that a prestigious private university can be affordable.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of prestigious

Adjective

The Sacramento Bee published three notable local stories on July 7, 2026, spanning law enforcement, education and public safety accountability.

— Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Semiconductor stocks staged a notable rebound after ending last week on a rough note.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 July 2026

Definition of notable

Adjective

The guest spot marked his first time on a soap opera over his illustrious decades-long career.

— Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Lionel Messi leads all players with eight goals this year and set the World Cup record at 21 — and counting — in his illustrious career.

— Stephen Whyno, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026

Definition of illustrious

Adjective

Barber's comments are noteworthy as MLB executives typically maintain a united front during CBA negotiations.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
While a couple of noteworthy procedures popped up during the spring, the depth chart only has a few major ailments of concern heading into the summer.

— Mike Kaye July 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

Definition of noteworthy

Adjective

Among them is the viral handbag brand Songmont, whose podcast asks famous directors or actors to discuss topics like self-acceptance and creativity in contemplative two-hour episodes.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
Though famous for his love of real-world filmmaking, for shooting on location and doing effects in camera, not in post-production, Nolan likes to point out that his films have won three visual effects Oscars.

— Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of famous

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outspreads

outstanding

outstare

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“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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