stand out

To be easy to notice because you look different from things or people around you.

• Your red coat stands out.
• The white house stood out against the green hills.
• Will these letters stand out on a black background?

How to use it: stand out against something (The white letters stand out against the dark background.); stand out in something (Her yellow coat stood out in the crowd.)

Similar words: be noticeable, show up

Opposites: blend in

Common phrases: stand out clearly, stand out from something

To seem especially important or good compared with other people or things.

• Her work really stands out.
• One moment stood out as the highlight of the trip.
• What makes you stand out from the other candidates?

How to use it: stand out as something (She stands out as the strongest candidate.); stand out from someone/something (His work stands out from the other entries.)

Similar words: excel, distinguish oneself

Common phrases: stand out as something, stand out from others

To extend away from a surface.

• A nail stood out from the wall.
• The ledge stands out above the narrow path.
• Several roots stood out from the steep riverbank.

How to use it: stand out from + surface (A wooden beam stood out from the wall.)

Similar words: stick out, project, protrude

Common phrases: stand out slightly, stand out from something

To continue opposing something or refuse to agree despite pressure.

• The workers stood out against the new terms.
• She stood out against their demands despite repeated threats.
• Will anyone stand out against this unfair decision?

How to use it: stand out against something (A few members stood out against the proposed agreement.)

Similar words: hold out, resist

Opposites: yield, comply

Common phrases: stand out firmly, stand out against something

To sail away from the land toward the open sea.

• The ship stood out to sea.
• We stood out from shore as the wind strengthened.
• The captain ordered the vessel to stand out beyond the harbor.

How to use it: stand out to sea (The vessel stood out to sea before nightfall.)

Similar words: sail out, put to sea

Opposites: stand in

Common phrases: stand out to sea, stand out from shore