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

Examples 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 Burrell was nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series from 2010 to 2017 and took home the prize in 2011 and 2014. Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Popular on Variety The winners will be revealed, in addition to this year’s recipient of the Richard Harris Award for outstanding contribution by an actor to a British film, during a ceremony at London’s Roundhouse on Dec. 8. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 5 Nov. 2024 Pamela Brown will be at the Voting Desk, reporting on voter turnout and the outstanding vote in critical states. Denise Petski, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2024 Each won the Emmy Award for outstanding music or comedy program. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for outstanding 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for outstanding
Adjective
  • For example, a company may want to introduce a product in new markets but can't finance new sales representatives due to unpaid invoices from distributors.
    Oleg Chanchikov, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Trump campaign leaving some cities with hundreds of thousands in unpaid bills after rallies Klein said the ABC News/Ipsos poll also found that 74% of Americans say the country is on the wrong track, including half of Harris supporters and 98% of Trump supporters.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The American Academy of Sciences & Letters has announced the 10 recipients of this year’s Barry Prize, given to scholars at U.S. colleges and universities for distinguished intellectual achievements in the arts, sciences and learned professions.
    Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
  • In the transcripts, Man Boy Slim—a rickety thin 20-year-old local, with, at a cursory glance, a distinguished career at that time of stealing hubcaps and hunting deer out of season—made many claims about the biologists.
    Jeff VanderMeer, WIRED, 22 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The Lexus Melbourne Cup, held annually in November at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse, is a prestigious Group 1 horse race with a 3,200-meter track and an $8.56 million prize pool, surpassing the Kentucky Derby’s $3 million.
    Maggie Clancy, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
  • But the biggest stunner in polling, perhaps from the entire cycle, came on Saturday with the release of the final prestigious Des Moines Register/Mediacom survey of Iowa that found Harris leading Trump by 3 points, 47 percent to 44 percent.
    Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • With the notable exception of Bouchard as sheriff, Democratic incumbents seemed likely to be returned to all countywide offices.
    Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
  • In recent decades, news outlets have typically called the presidential race late on election night or the morning after, with two notable exceptions.
    Rachel Barber, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The legendary producer, who died on Nov. 3, 2024, is survived by seven children and his grandchildren Quincy Jones accomplished many things in his illustrious career, including his iconic collaboration with Michael Jackson on 1982's Thriller album.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Included in the exhibition are 600 items from throughout Burton’s illustrious career, from props and costumes to stop-motion puppets and his personal artwork.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Despite the bye week, the 49ers listed a number of noteworthy players as questionable: wide receivers Deebo Samuel (oblique, rib) and Jauan Jennings (hip), defensive end Nick Bosa (hip) and safety Malik Mustapha (calf).
    Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Though the sci-fi franchise is well-loved by viewers new and old, discussions about adding to its already noteworthy legacy haven’t taken off.
    Sara Belcher, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • That same soil is what lends poblano chiles—traditionally from Puebla—the peppery flavor that characterizes the most famous local dish, chiles en nogada, says Zach Rabinor, founder of the luxury travel outfit Journey Mexico.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Rocio Fabbro takes a look at what the world’s most famous investor might do with all that cash.
    Peter Green, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near outstanding

Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/outstanding. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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