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 in-development Mars Sample Return mission aims to address these basic outstanding questions by delivering the first-ever unaltered fragments of another world to Earth. Ari Koeppel, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 But one thing the Royals had all season last year was outstanding health in the starting rotation. Zack Meisel, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The Wall Street investment bank estimated that Berkshire’s T-bill position has more than doubled over the past year, adding that the $314 billion stake as of the end of March accounted for 5% of all outstanding short-term government bills. Yun Li, CNBC, 11 May 2025 Like every successful side in these early years of the World Cup, Uruguay 1950 had an outstanding centre-half in Varela, who was physically dominant and also a key attacking weapon. Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
Adjective
  • In some cases, lawyers said students had their legal statuses altered for minor traffic violations, such as unpaid parking tickets.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The unpaid toll messages are part of a group of scams, known as smishing scams, that target victims with text messages seeking to convince them to click a malicious link or provide sensitive information.
    Julia Shapero, The Hill, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Lesser known, but no less distinguished, is Cesare Attolini.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • Father Roman, a distinguished figure with curly black hair and floor-sweeping black cassock, let us in.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The third-largest city in Italy with a population of around 1 million, Naples has long been known as a luxury menswear Mecca, home to some of the world’s most prestigious tailoring brands including Kiton, Isaia and Mariano Rubinacci.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • The dispute over international students is the latest development in the administration's standoff with one of the country's most prestigious universities.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Kia has been enjoying notable success in Europe of late.
    Utkarsh Sood, New Atlas, 24 May 2025
  • One notable exception to these observations is the Medicare Advantage program.
    John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Billy has had an illustrious career over the years.
    Nicholas Rice, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Owners Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos moved to Colorado in 2020 after illustrious careers as professional pastry chefs, and began the bakery out of their kitchen.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the title ranks as the band's lowest-charting effort on that tally, the fact that the rockers can go so long without appearing and still return is noteworthy.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • This venue is particularly noteworthy in the context of Travis Scott's WWE interactions.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The other, called Dominator, is owned by the famous chaser Reed Timmer.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • But the famous DreamWorks ogre almost had a very different voice, with Myers' fellow Saturday Night Live alum Chris Farley originally attached.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on outstanding

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