stand out
Rise above others
To stand out is to be noticeably different or superior—to attract attention by contrast with surroundings.
A red coat stands out in a crowd of gray.
A candidate stands out among applicants.
The phrase often carries positive connotation: Her performance really stood out.
Something that stands out literally may project from a surface: Veins stood out on his forearms.
Immediately noticeable, visually
- noticeableEasily perceived or observed
- strikingNoticeably impressive
- boldCourageous and daring
- vividIntensely clear and bright
attention-grabbing · unmissable · prominent · visible · glaring · obtrusive · flashy · showy
Only one exists
- originalFirst or inventive
- distinctiveReadily identifiable, set apart
- singularOne in number
- one-of-a-kindHaving no equivalent
unconventional · quirky · idiosyncratic · novel · innovative · unorthodox · peculiar · eccentric
Strikingly impressive to behold
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
- phenomenalExceptionally impressive or unusual
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
- awe-inspiringEvoking reverential wonder
stunning · dazzling · magnificent · marvelous · remarkable · incredible · amazing · astounding
Achieve superior results
- surpassExceed in achievement
- outshineExceed in brilliance
- excelSurpass all others
- achieveSucceed through effort
triumph · dominate · succeed · thrive · flourish · prevail · transcend · outclass
Notable and respected
- eminentHigh in rank, respected
- renownedWidely known and esteemed
- celebratedWidely known and praised
- illustriousWidely admired for achievements
preeminent · notable · leading · influential · respected · reputable · acclaimed · esteemed
eye-catching
Immediately noticeable, visually
- noticeableEasily perceived or observed
- strikingNoticeably impressive
- boldCourageous and daring
vivid · attention-grabbing · unmissable · prominent · visible · glaring · obtrusive · flashy · showy · garish
unique
Only one exists
- originalFirst or inventive
- distinctiveReadily identifiable, set apart
- singularOne in number
one-of-a-kind · unconventional · quirky · idiosyncratic · novel · innovative · unorthodox · peculiar · eccentric · maverick
spectacular
Strikingly impressive to behold
- extraordinaryBeyond what's typical
- phenomenalExceptionally impressive or unusual
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
awe-inspiring · stunning · dazzling · magnificent · marvelous · remarkable · incredible · amazing · astounding · astonishing
outperform
Achieve superior results
achieve · triumph · dominate · succeed · thrive · flourish · prevail · transcend · outclass · overshadow
distinguished
Notable and respected
- eminentHigh in rank, respected
- renownedWidely known and esteemed
- celebratedWidely known and praised
illustrious · preeminent · notable · leading · influential · respected · reputable · acclaimed · esteemed · recognized
- phrasal verbspick up, look at, put down, turn on, turn off
- protrudeprotrude, jut, bulge, project, overhang
- social conformityconformist, peer pressure, herd mentality, groupthink, follow the crowd
- highlightemphasize, highlight, accentuate, underscore, underline
- verbsjump, be, speak, wait, do
- pop outburst, spring, jump, leap, eject
stand outblend in
Become part of surroundings
fly under the radar · disappear · recede · hide · vanish
stand outconform
Behave as expected
fit in · assimilate · follow the crowd · go along · toe the line