UPRIGHT Synonyms: 164 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'upright' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of upright are conscientious , honest , honorable , just , and scrupulous . While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles. // a stern and upright minister

Q: How are the words 'conscientious' and 'scrupulous' related as synonyms of 'upright'?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience. // conscientious in the completion of her assignments // scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

Q: When might 'honest' be a better fit than 'upright'?

In some situations, the words honest and upright are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness. // known for being honest in business dealings

Q: When can 'honorable' be used instead of 'upright'?

The synonyms honorable and upright are sometimes interchangeable, but honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty. // a difficult but honorable decision

Q: When is 'just' a more appropriate choice than 'upright'?

While in some cases nearly identical to upright , just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable. // workers given just compensation

upright

adjective

ˈəp-ˌrīt

Definition of upright

as in honorable

conforming to a high standard of morality or virtue an honest and upright people

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in honest

following the accepted rules of moral conduct informing the clerk that he had just given me back too much in change was the only upright thing to do

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vertical

rising straight up only one pillar of the ruined temple remained upright

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective upright differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of upright are conscientious, honest, honorable, just, and scrupulous. While all these words mean "having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right," upright implies a strict adherence to moral principles.

a stern and upright minister

How are the words conscientious and scrupulous related as synonyms of upright?

Both conscientious and scrupulous imply an active moral sense governing all one's actions and painstaking efforts to follow one's conscience.

conscientious in the completion of her assignments

scrupulous in carrying out the terms of the will

When might honest be a better fit than upright?

In some situations, the words honest and upright are roughly equivalent. However, honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

When can honorable be used instead of upright?

The synonyms honorable and upright are sometimes interchangeable, but honorable suggests a firm holding to codes of right behavior and the guidance of a high sense of honor and duty.

a difficult but honorable decision

When is just a more appropriate choice than upright?

While in some cases nearly identical to upright, just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of upright Physical therapy, resistance training, Tai Chi, yoga, and Pilates may all help support a more upright posture and better function, adds Schneider, although the right activity depends on your health, fitness level, and fracture risk. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026 According to officials, the pickup truck was illegally parked, while the device stood upright in the truck bed. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 This can be a precursor to doing heel-to-toe walking and can build confidence in someone’s ability to stay upright. — Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Try maiden grass for something tall and upright that can also serve well as a privacy barrier. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for upright

Recent Examples of Synonyms for upright

Adjective

Initially receiving a general discharge, Matlovich’s status was later elevated to honorable.

— USA Today, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
From Prime Minister Mark Carney’s standpoint, Canada had no honorable alternative.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of honorable

Adjective

Stipp emphasizes Suja Life's long-term vision, vertical integration, and brand-building expertise, aiming for sustained double-digit growth despite current market challenges.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
That kind of vertical integration is becoming an increasingly important strategy across China’s EV industry.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of vertical

Adjective

Modern interpreters have read his 10 heads as signifying his vast knowledge of 10 sacred texts, or alternately his 10 ethical failings, but the Ramayana account describes him as 10-headed from birth.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Talarico is hoping to raise further ethical questions about Paxton by publicizing the Unity Resources case.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of ethical

Adjective

On Saturday, Pete received a standing ovation from members of the Navajo Nation who were in the stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

— Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Three years ago, fans of the Philadelphia Phillies famously buoyed the spirits of underperforming shortstop Trea Turner by giving him the same kind of standing ovation.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of standing

Adjective

This led to a segment on Newsmax in which anchor Carl Higbie deleted one Jelly Roll song from his phone on air, demonstrating the apparent righteous power of tapping a touch-screen button.

— Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Citizen, published two months after Brown’s killing, seemed to channel that righteous fury.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of righteous

Browse Nearby Words

uprears

upright

uprightness

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“Upright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/upright. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of upright

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