1
as in honorable
following the accepted rules of moral conduct
a fine, upstanding woman who deserves to be nominated to the state's highest court
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vertical
rising straight up
not a single wall remained upstanding after the tornado had passed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of upstanding
The granddaughter of a bootlegger grows up to be an upstanding citizen and a minister’s wife.
—
Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025
Other than the fact that fantasy owners are generally more upstanding citizens than real NFL owners?
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
The imperative for a figure like Brown is to portray a good man in a crumbling world, to maintain a polished, upstanding character against the backdrop of a rusting empire.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2025
The most upstanding American virtue is hard work, but heels celebrate the easy way.
—John Devore, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for upstanding
Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2025
Other than the fact that fantasy owners are generally more upstanding citizens than real NFL owners?
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
The imperative for a figure like Brown is to portray a good man in a crumbling world, to maintain a polished, upstanding character against the backdrop of a rusting empire.
—Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2025
The most upstanding American virtue is hard work, but heels celebrate the easy way.
—John Devore, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for upstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for upstanding
Adjective
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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
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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
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
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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
Adjective
-
Find a tax preparer, but first review the agency's tips to find an ethical one.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
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However, ethical leadership requires a clear boundary between policy disagreement and the normalization — or tacit justification — of violence.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
For total protection, erect metal or polypropylene deer fencing around the plant to prevent them from entering.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Thanks for that last shot of a fully erect Tommy.—
William Earl,
Variety,
28 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
But after a transfer of ownership and a revamp of the voting body, the Golden Globes TV awards have gotten positively respectable.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Rookie Andres Borregales made 27 of 32 attempts, a respectable mark.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Set it upright on a flat, hard surface, such as concrete or pavers.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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But for those of us who have to remain upright, why not try light therapy?—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Upstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upstanding. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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