upstanding

adjective

up·​stand·​ing ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce upstanding (audio)
ˈəp-ˌstan-
Synonyms of upstandingnext
1
: erect, upright
2
: marked by integrity
an upstanding businessman
upstandingness noun

Synonyms of upstanding

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Examples of upstanding in a Sentence

upstanding members of the community a fine, upstanding woman who deserves to be nominated to the state's highest court
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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.
Adams said Stair is an upstanding citizen who built his company from nothing nearly 20 years ago. — John Diedrich, jsonline.com, 27 Apr. 2026 In its archetypal form, the seduction plot features a sybaritic aristocrat who attempts to debauch an upstanding daughter of the bourgeoisie. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Clearly, Dunk is one of the most morally upstanding knights in Westeros (to the point of being somewhat naive), and would surely prove a solid role model for the little prince. — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 2026 To truly even the playing field, upstanding attorneys should support cracking down on fraud and profiteering — and ending the exploitation of our most vulnerable. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upstanding

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of upstanding was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing upstanding

Rhymes for upstanding

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Browse Nearby Words

upstander
upstanding
upstaring
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Cite this Entry

“Upstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upstanding. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on upstanding

Nglish: Translation of upstanding for Spanish Speakers

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