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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conspicuous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conspicuous are noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can noticeable take the place of conspicuous?

The meanings of noticeable and conspicuous largely overlap; however, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

When can outstanding be used instead of conspicuous?

Although the words outstanding and conspicuous have much in common, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

Where would prominent be a reasonable alternative to conspicuous?

The words prominent and conspicuous can be used in similar contexts, but prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

When would remarkable be a good substitute for conspicuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to conspicuous, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When might salient be a better fit than conspicuous?

While the synonyms salient and conspicuous are close in meaning, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When is striking a more appropriate choice than conspicuous?

The synonyms striking and conspicuous are sometimes interchangeable, but striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Examples of conspicuous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the headband’s conspicuous presence at this summer’s Olympic marathons—along with Kipchoge, other notables wearing it included Sifan Hassan and Hellen Obiri, the gold and bronze medalists in the women’s race, and Bashir Abdi, the silver medalist in the men’s race—brought it to a new audience. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024 The pair attempted to paint the Ford Edge a less conspicuous color before abandoning the vehicle in Tennessee, opting instead to drive a blue 2006 Ford F-150. Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024 Over the past 40 years, memorials to America's 20th century wars have sprung up across Washington, D.C., with one conspicuous omission: There was no national memorial to veterans of World War I in our nation's capital. Faith Salie, CBS News, 1 Sep. 2024 The other two ask visitors to keep sidewalks safe for pedestrians (by not riding bikes or scooters except in places allowed by the municipality) and to not be loudly conspicuous by shouting or singing, particularly late at night. Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conspicuous 

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

Thesaurus Entries Near conspicuous

Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conspicuous. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on conspicuous

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