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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 Because of the supportive cushioning and the velcro to ensure a tight wrap, my (big) head stayed upright and in a comfortable position. Daniel Modlin, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025 The bushy, upright shrubs grow between 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, which can make a stunning display when they are planted side by side, as white blooms can add elegance and formality and impart calm and tranquility. Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 2025 It can be folded into Standby mode, which puts the phone part of the charging station upright for optimal viewing when the device is charging. PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025 The common thread of an upright handle makes the art of carrying your handbag feel intentional. Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upright
Adjective
  • This person has brought shame and disgrace to the badge and to an honorable profession.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The honorable profession of arms is not built on Rambo politics.
    Loree Sutton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Let’s be honest—doing things alone can feel awkward at first.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 13 Oct. 2025
  • To be honest, the whole setup sounds exhausting.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This modular setup served as a bridge solution for the Type 125 class, which currently lacks a vertical launch system.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Standing out is a spacious living room wrapped in vertical fir siding, plus a dining area that connects to a minimalist kitchen upgraded with newer stainless steel appliances.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course, the idea of having an AI board member opens up a host of thorny ethical issues.
    Lee Clifford, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Notwithstanding this criticism, though, there is still a growing view within Delhi that foreign policy should be pragmatic and driven by interests rather than ethical considerations.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The behemoth Edey had a respectable rookie season but required June ankle surgery, while undersized energizer Clarke has never played more than 64 games in his six pro seasons and doesn’t seem likely to break the streak.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Bill was rapidly moving uphill in a slightly circuitous route that would bring him into the open a respectable distance from the bear.
    Marguerite Reiss, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The theater gave him a standing ovation.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The second clip showed Princess Kate getting a standing ovation at the Wimbledon Tennis Championship in London in July 2024 during only her second public appearance after starting chemotherapy for cancer that February.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The sound system isn’t as nice, and the side-view mirrors now have to be manually folded.
    Patrick George, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The gardener was removing excess leaves to give the tree a cleaner look, an attention to detail required at a nice hotel — The Grove — that’s been housing NFL teams since Aaron Glenn, now the New York Jets head coach, was still playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2008.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Like the Earth sign, the righteous dog detective Scooby doesn't appreciate confrontation and gets frightened in scary situations.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • In Eddington, Joe co-opts the righteous anger of BLM.
    Robert Daniels, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Upright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upright. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on upright

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