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

Relevance

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 Toyota recently launched a $25 billion, tender-offer buyback that retires about 7% of outstanding shares, one of the largest repurchases in Japanese history. — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 22 July 2026 The Daily Show, which is nearing its 30th anniversary mark, was recently nominated for seven Emmys including best variety series and outstanding short form comedy, drama or variety series. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026 The quality of the movement from both of you was outstanding. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026 Cider, Fishing Villages, and Cheese Curiously, in a country that boasts many outstanding wine regions, Asturias has taken a different path. — Nigel Hack, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for outstanding

Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding

Adjective

Jamal Warner’s widow, Tenisha Warner, has taken legal action against his mother, Pamela Warner, over alleged unpaid debts from his family trust.

— Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Owners of an Elk Grove nightclub where two men were killed in a shooting last year must pay more than $53,000 in unpaid rent this week or forfeit their lease, according to a notice posted outside the business.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of unpaid

Adjective

In 2024, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor bestowed by the governor as a personal tribute given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

— Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a distinguished American marine biologist at his home in the central Philippines, police said Thursday.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of distinguished

Adjective

Beijing — For the first time, two Chinese nationals have been awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for mathematics achievement – a win hailed across China as a milestone in the country’s bid to cement its role as a science and technology powerhouse.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Chinese nationals were awarded the prestigious Fields Medal for the first time, in the latest sign of the country’s growing academic prowess.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of prestigious

Adjective

Familiar faces like Derrick Brown, Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan and Jaycee Horn will take the field this week for the start of training camp, but there will be some notable new faces added to the mix.

— Mike Kaye July 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026
This match is the latest notable step forward for a women’s setup that was in effect mothballed just a decade ago due to a lack of funds.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of notable

Adjective

With only the third-place playoff and the final remaining, there is just one more chance for players to secure individual recognition as the 2026 World Cup’s top goalscorer, joining an illustrious list of names from soccer history.

— Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has cultivated a measured public image, rarely commenting on politics or becoming involved in major public controversies.

— Juan Melamed, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 2026

Definition of illustrious

Adjective

And that made his recent comments about former Blue Jays coach Don Mattingly especially noteworthy, as his departure for the Philadelphia Phillies has raised questions about whether the Blue Jays batting order can succeed without him.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Among the most noteworthy legislation passed that year was Assembly Bill 103, which granted the California Department of Justice oversight authority to regularly inspect and report on the conditions of facilities operating in the state.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of noteworthy

Browse Nearby Words

outspreads

outstanding

outstare

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of outstanding

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on outstanding

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

vituperate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes