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 He was honored by the English department in the classroom for outstanding performance. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 9 July 2025 The third edition of this category sees four out of five honorees return, mainly owing to their outstanding portfolios and strength of service. Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025 Acadia National Park offers several locations for outstanding stargazing. Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 In terms of niche and micro brands, visitors can expect to see outstanding horology from companies such as Armin Strom, Bell & Ross, Biver, Bovet, F.P. Journe, Greubel Forsey, H. Moser &Cie, Ming, MB&F, Parmigiani Fleurier, and many more. Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
Adjective
  • Many programs require several years of full-time professional experience—experience often gained through unpaid internships or early-career jobs only accessible to those with financial safety nets.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Alternatively, the attorneys union’s stretch of unpaid leave will last for 16 months while the engineers and correctional officers’ personal leave program would last for two years, if union members and the Legislature approve those tentative agreements.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bruce Yandle is a distinguished adjunct fellow with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and former executive director of the Federal Trade Commission.
    Bruce Yandle, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
  • Roberts, 64, spoke to PEOPLE exclusively while attending the 46th Annual News Emmy Awards in New York City, where she was inducted into the Silver Circle Honor Society — an accolade that recognizes television professionals with at least 25 years of distinguished service to the industry.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • In spite of difficulties at the festival, Dulac was able to lure prestigious guests to the event over the years, notably Keanu Reeves, Donald Sutherland, Agnès Varda, Brady Corbet, Ari Aster, Lily Gladstone, Joel Edgerton, Ira Sachs and Ben Winshaw.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • Stanford has no natural ties to the ACC, and life is a lot harder now for the prestigious academic institution because of name, image and likeness, revenue sharing and the transfer portal.
    Antonio Morales, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • There's a major plot twist involving Superman's Kryptonian parents (as well as a far less extreme but still notable reimagining of his human parents) that has big implications for the character going forward.
    James Grebey, Time, 11 July 2025
  • This matchup has become one of the most notable rivalries in women's boxing, and many will be tuning in to see who comes out on top this time.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • The historian-college professor explores Blume’s middle-class, 1950s childhood in New Jersey, to adulthood when her passion for reading turned into an illustrious writing career.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • The two legends only played in the same group 38 times during their illustrious careers.
    Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Other noteworthy features include, handles and a 21.5-inch adjustable, detachable strap, a central zip compartment, and a turnlock with magnetic strap closures.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 July 2025
  • The nine-hour battery life is also noteworthy, with the case offering an additional 24 hours of playback time.
    Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • It is also equipped with the watchmaker’s famous Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
  • But the famous Ozuna power disappeared as his average fell.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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