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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

Examples of upright in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There are mixed and monochrome looks, including cashmere coats with contrasting lapels, tuxedos, trousers with side stripes, and the brand’s signature Spagna shirt with an upright collar. Samantha Conti, WWD, 2 Oct. 2024 An upright nose with a three-bar gloss black grille, horizontal running lights and headlights lead to a long hood and flared front fenders. Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 2 Oct. 2024 Bissell Little Green Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner $124 $100 at Amazon Weighing just under 10 pounds, the machine is easier to store and move around than an upright carpet cleaner. Kaitlin Gates, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Oct. 2024 This allows anyone measuring up to 6.2 ft (1.89 m) in height to comfortably stand upright to get into bed and/or get dressed. Adam Williams, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for upright 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'upright.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near upright

Cite this Entry

“Upright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upright. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on upright

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