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Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Good candidates, regardless of experience level, will stand out by crafting a good cover letter and coming to interviews with ideas.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 8, 2026

The long-range shooting element would stand out in a revamped front line that includes the returning Deandre Ayton, who was the Lakers’ major free-agent signing last year.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

Four distinct lessons stand out as threads that run throughout the essays.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Two things stand out watching Andy Burnham, as I've done during the recent by-election campaign and in the ten or so days since.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

She would have expected to stand out in the crowd here, with her backpack and jeans and shiny green jacket—not to mention her dark skin and hair.

From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu

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