stand-up 1 of 3

Definition of stand-upnext

stand up

2 of 3

verb

as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval a hypothesis that won't stand up to close analysis

Synonyms & Similar Words

stand-up

3 of 3

noun

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 stand-up
Adjective
Arnett stars in the film, which Cooper directed, about a man who turns to stand-up comedy while going through a divorce and mid-life crisis. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026 Licensing the catalogue of a stand-up at his level is generally a highly lucrative endeavor, sources said, particular for a company with the reach of Comedy Dynamics. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
This is a large bird, standing up to 2 feet in height with a wingspan to nearly 5 feet. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 In this case, the maximum dream of any Latin American revolutionary nationalist is to stand up to el imperio, to the Yankee Empire itself. Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026
Noun
Sandler did his first stand-up at 17 at an open mic in Boston. Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2023 Rodgers said that Hawk suggested McAfee as an emergency fill-in for a golf tournament team, and McAfee agreed to do it even while in the midst of a stand-up comedy tour. Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for stand-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand-up
Adjective
  • Clarke, a junior, also was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection after totaling 30 tackles, eight passes defended and a fumble recovery in eight games.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Other than honorable discharges carry serious, long-term consequences, including the inability to access veteran benefits and disqualifications on becoming a police officer.
    Josh Wood, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The company presented the AIR ONE, an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Space-savers will include pull-out vertical pantries that slide into narrow spaces, toe-kick drawers that utilize the area beneath your cabinets and corner carousel units that make those awkward spaces accessible.
    Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The self-flying camera is equipped with a 4K camera capable of recording at up to 100 frames per second.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • On Wednesday, numerous commemorations and tributes occurred in the devastated communities and throughout the city and county of Los Angeles —including flags flying at half-staff at City Hall, county buildings and at all state buildings.
    City News Service, Daily News, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Directed by professional theater instructor and director Courtney Flanagan, the group has been performing both short-form and long-form improv in a variety of venues since 2019, picking up a number of awards along the way.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Not so much through the improv that has always animated his game but through all the possibilities of the play as designed.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet, to be honest, our dance card is already mighty full with a whole array of different kinds of gigs – from big pop shows to classic rock concerts and a number of different small club shows.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Shared finances, emotional investments or trust issues become crystal clear, prompting honest conversations and practical decision-making.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • When the episode premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, the speech got a standing ovation.
    Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Our standing height is not great.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The company was also working with Transport for London on a double-decker electric bus, but the agency has yet to place an order.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2025
  • On Friday night the Supreme Court granted the request to block full SNAP payments as the case works its way through the courts.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The opening sketch has long been the primary venue for the show’s most enduring political satire.
    Erik Adams, The Atlantic, 9 Nov. 2025
  • In keeping with a pleasing streak of industry satire here—Michael Haneke and Netflix get hilarious shout-outs—Fanning has a bracing directness that cuts through all the dramaturgical throat-clearing.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stand-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand-up. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

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