stand out

British  

verb

1. to be distinctive or conspicuous

2. to refuse to agree, consent, or comply

   they stood out for a better price

3. to protrude or project

4. to navigate a vessel away from a port, harbour, anchorage, etc

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noun

1. informal

   1. a person or thing that is distinctive or outstanding

   2. ( as modifier )

      the standout track from the album

2. a person who refuses to agree or consent

stand out Idioms  

1. Protrude, project, as in Those reliefs stand out from the building walls . [First half of 1500s]

2. Be conspicuous, distinctive, or prominent, as in He's so tall that he always stands out in a crowd . [Mid-1800s]

3. Refuse to comply, remain opposed, as in The one juror is standing out against a guilty verdict . [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

stand out

Mosquitoes, glass sponges, and earthworms are among the lineages that stand out in this way.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026

A few states stand out as the major enforcers, with Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin accounting for 40% of all collections.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

"I wish I would be able to stand out a little bit more, but I think I adapt my accent depending on where I am in the country."

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

The field of lifestyle influencers—which can describe anyone from a teen with a ring light to a Kardashian—has become increasingly crowded, making it harder to stand out and, in turn, make money.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026

I thought about all the people who would decide to stay home that day rather than stand out in the cold for hours.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• emerge
• loom
• stick out