upright

1 of 3

adjective

up·​right ˈəp-ˌrīt How to pronounce upright (audio)
1
b
: erect in carriage or posture
c
: having the main axis or a main part perpendicular
upright freezer
2
: marked by strong moral rectitude
an upright citizen
uprightly adverb
uprightness noun

upright

2 of 3

adverb

: vertically upward : in an upright position

upright

3 of 3

noun

1
: the state of being upright : perpendicular
a pillar out of upright
2
: something that stands upright
especially : a football goalpost
usually used in plural
3
Choose the Right Synonym for upright

upright, honest, just, conscientious, scrupulous, honorable 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

honest stresses adherence to such virtues as truthfulness, candor, or fairness.

known for being honest in business dealings

just stresses conscious choice and regular practice of what is right or equitable.

workers given just compensation

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

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

Examples of upright in a Sentence

Adjective Put your seat back in the upright position. The container should be kept upright to prevent leaks. Noun The uprights of the structure were embedded in concrete.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Kitchen Dwellers comprise Torrin Daniels (banjo), Max Davies (acoustic guitar), Joe Funk (upright bass) and Shawn Swain (mandolin). Xander Zellner, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2024 Every detail is thought out here, from the incredibly comfortable backpack straps, multiple strong pockets, an articulating foot for upright or angled standing, and even embroidery for your initials to stand out even further. Red Fabbri, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2024 Jim is downtrodden but morally upright and ever ready to help. Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024 In addition to floor work, the upright vacuum converts into a handheld device to clean couches, curtains, car interiors, and more. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 Scientists believe the extinct species to be the first hominin to have left Africa and walk with a fully upright gait. Katie Hunt, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 To keep itself upright, S. densifolia might have intertwined its branches with those of other trees. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2024 The spring roll is presented as upright bundles packed with hearts of palm, daikon and other vegetables. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Maintain a firm upright posture as much as possible, and walk with a positive spring in your step, with shoulders held back and your head high. Rachel Wells, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
Adverb
Owens treats the swordfish like a steak, so slice each swordfish medallion or steak and set them together upright on the yogurt. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 When the hot air rises, the balloon is lifted upright. Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 15 Jan. 2024 How does a body stand upright when the world is spinning around it? Gia Kourlas, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 Ingenuity landed upright in Neretva Vallis, a dry river valley that wanders into the western edge of Jezero Crater. George Petras, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024 Shannon walked upright, trudging through the snow behind her. Travis Hall, Field & Stream, 1 Feb. 2024 There are two fasteners included to keep the unit upright and attached to the top of the toilet. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2024 The victory wasn’t secured until Oregon’s Camden Lewis kicked the extra point, which hit the left upright and ricocheted in. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Dec. 2023 The tree is designed to last for many holiday seasons, with a durable iron stand that keeps the tree upright and never tilting. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2023
Noun
An upright, or stand-up, walker can be safe for seniors, with some caution. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2024 Cohen, the division’s vice president of remote technical operations, immediately texted someone at the league’s broadcasting department about placing cameras inside the uprights. Joe Reedy, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2024 The broadcast itself will feature tons of new and unique camera shots like the brand-new ‘doink’ cameras installed in the uprights. Dua Rashid and Jorge Jimenez / Gizmodo, Quartz, 11 Feb. 2024 The Huskies had to settle for a short 25-yard field goal by kicker Grady Gross that snuck between the uprights. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2024 Divers rotated in and out of the 55-degree pool, trying to hold her upright. Caitlin Gibson, Washington Post, 5 Dec. 2023 Other motorcycles of the age, like the early Harley-Davidsons and Triumphs, look more like bicycles, with jaunty upright handlebars, cheerful enamel paint jobs and compact motors offering single-digit horsepower. Elana Scherr, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Aug. 2023 Step 4 Turn cocktail glass upright, releasing the smoke. Caroline Portillo, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2024 Justin Medlock’s 41-yard kick in overtime, combined with a 50-yard attempt by Cal that went off the upright, propelled the Bruins past future Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'upright.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of upright was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near upright

Cite this Entry

“Upright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upright. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

upright

1 of 2 adjective
up·​right ˈəp-ˌrīt How to pronounce upright (audio)
1
a
: vertical entry 1 sense 2
an upright posture
b
: having the main axis or a main part perpendicular
2
: living by high moral standards : honorable
uprightness noun

upright

2 of 2 noun
1
: an upright or vertical position
2
: something upright

More from Merriam-Webster on upright

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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