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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective upright differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of upright are conscientious, honest, honorable, just, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

How are the words conscientious and scrupulous related as synonyms of upright?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments
scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

When might honest be a better fit than upright?

In some situations, the words honest and upright are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When can honorable be used instead of upright?

The synonyms honorable and upright are sometimes interchangeable, but honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

When is just a more appropriate choice than upright?

While in some cases nearly identical to upright, just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

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 upright That will help get the ball out of Rodgers’ hand, keep him upright more often and take advantage of his quick release. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 19 June 2025 The hard wax formula, combined with a properly sized wick, helps ensure a clean, drip-free burn (as long as the candle stays upright and vertical). Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 18 June 2025 As for the film’s dragon arena, Watkins built a chain dome, but needed beams to hold it upright. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 14 June 2025 We’re wired to search far and wide for whatever will keep us upright. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for upright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upright
Adjective
  • Different views on the topic Some readers challenge the emphasis on political decorum, arguing that respect must be earned through honorable conduct rather than election victories.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025
  • Or that America's founding principles are honorable and created a superpower that leads the world.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Jamie Lee Curtis got honest about her cosmetic procedures in the hopes of dissuading women from making the same mistake.
    Maria Yagoda, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • Maybe the most important feature of actual freedom is the ability to make honest and fair criticism of your country, something which feels more and more taboo.
    Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Metal filing cabinets first appeared during the 1920s, when document storage shifted from horizontal to space-saving vertical models.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 30 June 2025
  • The young Democratic socialist swept the primary on the back of a media strategy fit for 2025: clever short-form vertical videos, intense message discipline focused on affordability, and an openness to talking to anyone — from niche menswear fashion podcasts to legacy players.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Invest in educator training that moves beyond basic tool familiarity to pedagogical integration and ethical considerations.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Such governance will likely include public data trusts, ethical review boards, and inclusive policy-making processes—all of which emphasize collective rather than individualistic solutions.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no denying that the second-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am muscle car tipped the scale toward kitsch, adding flares, spoilers, and a set of cringeworthy decals—available as of 1973 as a $55 option—to an otherwise respectable design.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
  • Zeller was taken ahead of the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steven Adams, a pair of big men who’ve had more than respectable careers.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • His condemnation of authoritarianism electrified the audience, earning a standing ovation and setting a reflective tone that remained all week.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • Legislative leaders began the session by talking tough about reining in the industry, receiving standing ovations in the House and Senate.
    Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • The answer is a cool $2.8 million, probably enough to buy a really nice apartment in Ghent near the River Scheldt.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Cruise dons Kovic’s uniform with unflinching vulnerability, while Stone, himself a Vietnam veteran, directs with righteous anger and empathy.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • This strong, authentic understanding amidst the ambiguity of whether righteous living leads to health and wealth is prominent throughout the Bible.
    Walt Shelton, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Upright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upright. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on upright

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