upright

1 of 3

adjective

up·​right ˈəp-ˌrīt 

1

a

: perpendicular, vertical

b

: erect in carriage or posture

c

: having the main axis or a main part perpendicular

upright freezer

2

: marked by strong moral rectitude

an upright citizen

uprightly adverb

uprightness noun

upright

2 of 3

adverb

: vertically upward : in an upright position

upright

3 of 3

noun

1

: the state of being upright : perpendicular

a pillar out of upright

2

: something that stands upright

especially : a football goalpost

—usually used in plural

3

: upright piano

Synonyms

Adjective

• all right
• decent
• ethical
• good
• honest
• honorable
• just
• moral
• nice
• right
• right-minded
• righteous
• straight
• true
• virtuous

Choose the Right Synonym for upright

upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable 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

honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

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

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

Examples of upright in a Sentence

Adjective

Put your seat back in the upright position.

The container should be kept upright to prevent leaks.

Noun

The uprights of the structure were embedded in concrete.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While upright types of sedum make attractive additions to mixed borders, creeping sedums make excellent choices for a groundcover in a sunny area. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Mar. 2025

These long-blooming tropicals have a compact, upright habit, and dense branching for big impact in gardens and containers. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025

Adverb

In the footage, Kevin is sitting upright on the couch, fixated on Nickelodeon. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025

In the water, dozens of surfers sit upright, swiveling like tops, waiting for the perfect swell to appear. —Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2025

Noun

Included are a flat stand, two uprights, and replacement case end cap that allows for a cleaner overall appearance. —PCMAG, 1 Mar. 2025

This leafy arrangement is naturalistic and shows off the tulips' upright stems. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing upright

• sit bolt upright
• upright piano

Rhymes for upright

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

upright

1 of 2 adjective

up·​right ˈəp-ˌrīt 

1

a

: vertical entry 1 sense 2

an upright posture

b

: having the main axis or a main part perpendicular

2

: living by high moral standards : honorable

uprightness noun

upright

2 of 2 noun

1

: an upright or vertical position

2

: something upright