striking

adjective

strik·​ing ˈstrī-kiŋ 

: attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities

a place of striking beauty

strikingly adverb

Synonyms of striking

• noticeable
• prominent
• commanding
• dramatic
• remarkable
• impressive
• marked

Choose the Right Synonym for striking

noticeable, remarkable, prominent, outstanding, conspicuous, salient, striking mean attracting notice or attention.

noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Examples of striking in a Sentence

The poverty of the city is striking.

There is a striking resemblance between the girls.

an actress known for her striking good looks

Recent Examples on the Web

The co-main event sees Mackenzie Dern defending her women's strawweight title against Gillian Robertson, a clash of grapplers that could unexpectedly become a striking battle. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Improvements included painting the cabinets a moody Benjamin Moore Crownsville Gray, building a custom oak butcher block, and installing a striking custom brass backsplash behind the range. — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 12 Aug. 2026

Those in the eclipse's path were treated to an incredible display as the moon completely blotted out the sun and revealed its outermost layer, which for a few minutes appeared as a striking glowing ring. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Authorities have not identified the substance, but some of the poison sites give off a striking odor of diesel fuel. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing striking

• in striking contrast to/with
• stand in striking contrast to/with
• striking distance

Rhymes for striking

• biking
• diking
• hiking
• liking
• spiking
• viking
• disliking
• hitchhiking

Kids Definition

striking

adjective

strik·​ing

ˈstrī-kiŋ

: attracting attention : remarkable, impressive

a striking costume

a striking resemblance

strikingly adverb