outstanding

adjective

out·​stand·​ing au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce outstanding (audio)
ˈau̇t-ˌstan-
Synonyms of outstandingnext
1
: standing out : projecting
stood on an outstanding rock
2
a
: unpaid
left several bills outstanding
b
: continuing to exist : unresolved
a long outstanding problem in astronomy
was arrested on … an outstanding warrant on a domestic violence charge— Kathy Hogan
c
of securities : publicly issued and sold
has 20,000 shares outstanding
3
a
: standing out from a group : conspicuous
There are some outstanding exceptions to this rule.
b
: marked by eminence and distinction
an outstanding student
an outstanding achievement
outstandingly
au̇t-ˈstan-diŋ-lē How to pronounce outstanding (audio)
ˈau̇t-ˌstan-
adverb

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for outstanding

noticeable, remarkable, prominent, outstanding, conspicuous, salient, striking mean attracting notice or attention.

noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Examples of outstanding in a Sentence

Tonight we will honor the school's most outstanding students. You did an outstanding job on the project. the outstanding quality of your work a wine that is outstanding in quality
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The show was also a huge hit, scoring 61 Emmy nominations in just three seasons, and winning 13, including outstanding comedy series. — Keith Langston, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025 Both Tawny Ports are outstanding, as is the entire range. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 One person was arrested at the scene of the search for outstanding warrants and a drug charge unrelated to the original case, according to the statement. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2025 The proceeds from the sale would go to lender Fannie Mae to pay the outstanding balance loan and the expenses of the receivership. — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for outstanding

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outstanding was in 1611

Rhymes for outstanding

See All Rhymes for outstanding

Browse Nearby Words

outstand
outstanding
outstandings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outstanding. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

outstanding

adjective
out·​stand·​ing -ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce outstanding (audio)
1
: sticking out : projecting
2
a
: not yet paid : unpaid
outstanding bills
b
: continuing in being : unresolved
problems outstanding
3
: attracting notice especially because of excellence
an outstanding scholar
outstandingly
-diŋ-lē How to pronounce outstanding (audio)
adverb

Legal Definition

outstanding

adjective
out·​stand·​ing
1
: not paid
had several outstanding debts
2
: publicly issued and sold
a million shares outstanding

More from Merriam-Webster on outstanding

Nglish: Translation of outstanding for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All