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 According to Burnett, the deputy did so after learning from another deputy that the defendant had an outstanding warrant from Brown County. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025 His intellect is evident when reviewing his rigorous course load, outstanding ACT scores, and his pursuit of the AP Capstone Diploma. Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Nov. 2025 Specifically, Bills 2024 second-round safety Cole Bishop had an outstanding day, finishing with a tackle for loss and three passes defensed in big spots. Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2025 Linebacker Shaq Thompson, who has had an outstanding season, was also too injured to play. Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
Adjective
  • This year, the actor Jonathan Bailey was named to the honorary unpaid position.
    Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Mochen claimed, and text messages from Kaliyev appear to confirm to the Post, that Kaliyev was even barred from practices over the unpaid debts.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Pascal will join a distinguished line of recipients that includes Steven Spielberg, Barbara Broccoli, Billy Wilder, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Mary Parent, Tom Cruise, Martin Scorsese and most recently Chris Meledandri.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2025
  • During his distinguished career, Monroe has been named to Variety’s Legal Impact and Dealmakers lists, as well as Legal 500 United States’ Media & Entertainment and M&A lists, among other accolades.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2025, the site received a prestigious award from ACTA Gist, recognized as the best archaeological site in Italy.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Tennessee is already a prestigious job in the SEC.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Analysts note that this second prototype includes notable upgrades, including angular exhaust nozzles that replace the recessed versions seen on the earlier model, underscoring China’s push to close the gap with US air combat capabilities.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The most notable failure of the Nigerian government is that successive administrations have in over a decade and a half been unable to end the scourge of Boko Haram and other Islamist or related terrorist groups that have indeed killed thousands of Christians.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Blue Jays are 10-6 this postseason with the illustrious 11th October win there for the taking.
    Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • With its sadistic violence, taboo sexuality, and grim depiction of postwar London, Peeping Tom was a flop that essentially ended the illustrious career of director Michael Powell, falling into obscurity until Martin Scorsese rescued it and rehabilitated its reputation with a 1979 rerelease.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Aside from what Ballard gave up in exchange for Gardner, the timing of this deal may be just as noteworthy.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Then around Halloween, the movie collected $5 million to $6 million, which is noteworthy considering it’s been widely available on streaming for months.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Queen of All Hallows' Eve — who not only throws an all-out shindig for her famous friends but also notoriously goes for broke with her costumes, too — spent all day posting hints about this year's look ahead of the big reveal.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Nov. 2025
  • In 2019, the Burtka-Harris family channeled famous artists for their looks.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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