striking

adjective

strik·​ing ˈstrī-kiŋ 

: attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities

a place of striking beauty

strikingly adverb

Synonyms

• noticeable
• prominent
• dramatic
• commanding
• 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 reason for this striking look is the inhibitor gene which suppresses pigment deposition at the base of the hair shaft, giving the cat the shimmering effect. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

While Taylor channeled striking sensuality in Tom Ford by Haider Ackermann, Fahy embraced feminine touches in Chloé. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025

There’s a striking indoor bar, but the main draw, aside from the cocktails, is the outdoor terrace, lined with greenery, which offers views of the surrounding neighborhood. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025

What makes Bring Her Back such a striking film among the many other horror movies tackling grief and trauma is the Philippou brothers' willingness to really go there. —Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025

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