conspicuous

con·spic·u·ous

adjective \kən-ˈspi-kyə-wəs, -kyü-əs\

Definition of CONSPICUOUS

1

: obvious to the eye or mind <conspicuous changes>

2

: attracting attention : striking <a conspicuous success>

3

: marked by a noticeable violation of good taste

— con·spic·u·ous·ly adverb

— con·spic·u·ous·ness \-nəs\ noun

Examples of CONSPICUOUS

1. There were a number of conspicuous changes to the building.
2. The sign was placed in a very conspicuous spot.
3. The bird has a conspicuous red head.
4. She felt very conspicuous in her pink coat.
5. He was uncomfortable about his conspicuous weight gain.
6. The business was a conspicuous success.
7. Conspicuous species of large organisms with small populations are vulnerable—and several fishes and marine mammals, including Steller's sea cow, have succumbed. —Stephen Jay Gould, Natural History, June 1991
8. Its most conspicuous feature was knee breeches, which showed off his well-turned legs and feet. —Richard Ellmann, Oscar Wilde, 1984

Origin of CONSPICUOUS

Latin conspicuus, from conspicere to get sight of, from com- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use: circa 1534

Related to CONSPICUOUS

Synonyms

arresting, bodacious, bold, brilliant, catchy, commanding, noticeable, dramatic, emphatic, eye-catching, flamboyant, grabby, kenspeckle [chiefly Scottish], marked, noisy, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, showy, splashy, striking

Antonyms

inconspicuous, unemphatic, unflamboyant, unnoticeable, unobtrusive, unremarkable, unshowy

Related Words

detectable, discernible (also discernable), observable, perceptible, recognizable, visible; outstanding, salient; distinguished, eminent, impressive, notable, noteworthy; highlighted, spotlighted; flagrant, glaring, howling, screaming; flashy, garish, gaudy, glitzy, jazzy, loud, meretricious, swank (or swanky), tawdry; highfalutin (also hifalutin), ostentatious, pretentious; extravagant, fancy, florid, glittery, spectacular; opulent, ornate, overdone, overwrought; absorbing, engrossing, enthralling, fascinating, interesting, riveting

Near Antonyms

subtle; concealed, hidden, shrouded; dim, faint, obscure; insignificant, undistinguished, unimportant; modest, unaffected, unassuming, unpretentious; conservative, plain, quiet, simple, understated; muted, restrained, subdued, subtle, toned-down, unflashy

See Synonym Discussion at noticeable

Rhymes with CONSPICUOUS

perspicuous, transpicuous