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 Texas Central has acquired only about 25 percent of the land needed for the line, with outstanding construction permits and further land acquisition unresolved. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 The three-time MVP is in the midst of another outstanding season for the Dodgers. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025 Moskovitz owns about 39% of outstanding Asana shares, according to FactSet. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 25 June 2025 In terms of artist honors, Khalil Fong was awarded Best Male Singer in recognition of his outstanding musical contributions during his lifetime, while Tanya Chua was named Best Female Singer. Billboard China, Billboard, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
Adjective
  • Vermont Expanded parental leave Starting next month, the state will expand its unpaid parental leave.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2025
  • In 2024, the retailer introduced handheld scanners at select locations, which enabled employees to ensure that shoppers were not using old or fake receipts to walk out of stores with unpaid items.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • From September 25-28, the Windy City hosts Chicago Gourmet one of the nation’s most distinguished food festivals.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Developers feed their chatbot models on a torrent of material, much of it scraped from the web — everything from distinguished literary works to random babbling — as well as collections holding millions of books, articles, scientific papers and the like, some of it copyrighted.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • One starting point is seeking international students in the U.S. Students from around the world come to the U.S. to study AI and machine learning at prestigious schools.
    Sophie Alcorn, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • The film recently received the prestigious Sydney Film Prize at the 72nd Sydney Film Festival.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bentley Residences is part of an ongoing push by automakers to sidestep into skyscraper design, with other notable projects including towers by Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti, and Porsche.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
  • And included in the bill are major reforms to federal student loan repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs – but with some notable changes.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • The 3,000 career strikeout club is an exclusive club of 19 pitchers who have reached the illustrious mark.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Cooper Flagg, his illustrious teammate at Montverde Academy, went first.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ahead of Prime Day 2025, which is set to take place from Tuesday, July 8 through Friday, July 11, the site is dropping noteworthy discounts across categories.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Its most noteworthy aspect, in my memory, was the degree of civility and collaboration between representatives of the Democrats and Republicans.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • How quantum histories interfere One of the most famous demonstrations of the mysterious nature of quantum mechanics is called the double-slit experiment.
    Matt von Hippel, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025
  • The American’s most famous painting Madame X (circa 1884) caused a scandal at the time for depicting socialite Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau with a dress strap hanging down off her shoulder.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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