Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective outstanding differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of outstanding are conspicuous, noticeable, prominent, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

When could conspicuous be used to replace outstanding?

The synonyms conspicuous and outstanding are sometimes interchangeable, but conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When might noticeable be a better fit than outstanding?

The meanings of noticeable and outstanding largely overlap; however, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Where would prominent be a reasonable alternative to outstanding?

The words prominent and outstanding can be used in similar contexts, but prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

When is it sensible to use remarkable instead of outstanding?

The words remarkable and outstanding are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When can salient be used instead of outstanding?

While in some cases nearly identical to outstanding, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When would striking be a good substitute for outstanding?

While the synonyms striking and outstanding are close in meaning, striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

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 outstanding Every season that ends in the state title game is an outstanding one. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 June 2025 The 50-year-old British soccer legend was awarded a knighthood along with Oscar winner Gary Oldman and The Who frontman Roger Daltrey in Charles' birthday honors list, which recognizes individual outstanding achievements and contributions to British society. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2025 Most impressively, Kohli has been able to tweak his game, batting with more explosiveness at the top of the order to produce an outstanding season for RCB. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 The show has won two Emmys since: One in 2014 for outstanding interactive program and another in 2015 for outstanding creative achievement in interactive media. Jack Dunn, Variety, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
Adjective
  • Vermont Expanded parental leave Starting next month, the state will expand its unpaid parental leave.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2025
  • In 2024, the retailer introduced handheld scanners at select locations, which enabled employees to ensure that shoppers were not using old or fake receipts to walk out of stores with unpaid items.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Fragrance Foundation proudly recognized Leonard for his distinguished accomplishments both as the Hall of Fame Honoree in 1990 and as the inaugural honoree in 2000 for the first ever Circle of Champions.
    Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
  • In 2015, she was selected as a Dole Caregiver Fellow, joining a distinguished multi-year leadership program that builds community and raises national awareness on behalf of military and veteran caregivers.
    Tom Chiodo, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • With a social scene that is always one step ahead of residents, New Canaan may finally drop its prestigious reputation.
    Slade Logsdon, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
  • Because of these promising results, the device is trusted by thousands of prestigious institutions worldwide and has helped to restore and regrow billions of hairs.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s notable because producer prices can be a leading indicator of prices that consumers pay in subsequent months — although commentary from the National Retail Federation does suggest that even though producer prices are not rising, recent substantial wholesale price deflation may be ending.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The timing is notable: 2026 host cities haven’t even had a chance to evaluate the full impact of hosting the men’s tournament before committing to 2031.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Sorenstam, who won 72 LPGA Tour tournaments, including 10 majors, during her illustrious career, will raise awareness for the Annika Foundation while competing at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club near Lake Tahoe next month.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
  • So began my illustrious career as an artist refusing to compromise my artistic integrity.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Israeli denial was noteworthy in light of a year’s worth of reports indicating the contrary.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • This might not normally be noteworthy — except that the Sentinel endorsed Lopez in 2020 back when Lopez promised to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • The American’s most famous painting Madame X (circa 1884) caused a scandal at the time for depicting socialite Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau with a dress strap hanging down off her shoulder.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 23 June 2025
  • How quantum histories interfere One of the most famous demonstrations of the mysterious nature of quantum mechanics is called the double-slit experiment.
    Matt von Hippel, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

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