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
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.
As his father became more trapped by his criminal enterprises, Flynn remained decent and upstanding. — Greg Braxton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 The story might have at least a modicum of suspense if any of the upstanding townspeople were seen as struggling with the idea of murdering a trusted friend. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026 Other than stealing a car in his late teens, McCurley had appeared to be an upstanding citizen. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2026 However, that would change in the 1960s when the countercultural movement became the new enemy of all upstanding, tax-paying citizens. — Literary Hub, 29 July 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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