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 The season also earned five Emmy nominations, including outstanding reality competition show and outstanding reality host for Cumming. Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025 Court records show Anderson tried to make good and redeem her home, paying the city $18,900 by the end of 2022 -- more than triple her outstanding taxes. ABC News, 3 Aug. 2025 He was named to the Maxwell Award watchlist, which is an award that is given yearly to college football's most outstanding player. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025 Patrick McGee explains how this came to be in his outstanding book. Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
Adjective
  • Recruited Africans practiced marketable skills and built up solid résumés, working as unpaid interns.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2025
  • He was placed on administrative leave after his arrest and was on unpaid leave between Oct. 24 and his resignation in early July, according to the school district.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The event will bestow the iconic BAFTA mask upon three distinguished honorees, marking only the sixth time that the BAFTA mask is awarded in the U.S., marking a significant milestone for BAFTA North America.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Friendly House will grant each honoree a separate award for their distinguished efforts and accomplishments.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Without a doubt, 2025 will stake its claim in history to this prestigious list of watershed years.
    Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The bar menu is impressive, designed in partnership with Cartagena's El Barón, featured on the prestigious 50 Best Discovery list.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Kingston looked the part, despite playing his first notable game snaps as a center.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Pixel 10 Pro’s Silicon Advantage One of the notable changes was to the chipset.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • On the day Liverpool announced the signing of 18-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni for an initial fee of £26million, his illustrious fellow countryman finally came to the party.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Create a car that commemorated the 40th anniversary of what was largely considered the most illustrious marque in the world, and do so in a way that would both solidify its legacy and launch a new era.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Further, this latest species is noteworthy due to its lack of echolocation structures, researchers said.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Life Angels offers sizing ranging from XS to 3X, which is noteworthy in itself.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Comments poured in with fans praising the famous matriarch for her style and work ethic.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The pub dates back to the 1800s and is named after famous former area resident, the bridge and railway engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outstanding

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!