upstanding

adjective

up·​stand·​ing ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ 

ˈəp-ˌstan-

1

: erect, upright

2

: marked by integrity

an upstanding businessman

upstandingness noun

Synonyms

• decent
• ethical
• honest
• honorable
• just
• noble
• principled
• respectable
• righteous
• stand-up
• upright

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

The trade laws are portrayed as necessary for protecting upstanding U.S. companies and their workers from predatory practices of foreign producers hell bent on driving down prices and driving American firms out of business. —Dan Ikenson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024

Yes, but: Critics say Latter-day Saints in the media are inaccurately portrayed as polygamous, religious extremists or upstanding citizens. —Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 6 Aug. 2024

Angelo describes Montrel as an upstanding, respectful young man, not the type to get into trouble. —Nicolás Viñuela, NBC News, 22 July 2024

But, while Norman was turning into an upstanding adult, the same could not be said of his younger brother. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing upstanding

• be upstanding

Kids Definition

upstanding

adjective

up·​stand·​ing ˌəp-ˈstan-diŋ 

ˈəp-ˌstan-

1

: vertical entry 1 sense 2

2

: honest entry 1 sense 3