prominence

noun

prom·​i·​nence ˈprä-mə-nən(t)s 

ˈpräm-nən(t)s

1

: something prominent : projection

a rocky prominence

2

: the quality, state, or fact of being prominent or conspicuous

3

: a mass of gas resembling a cloud that arises from the chromosphere of the sun

Synonyms of prominence

• hill
• mound
• eminence
• elevation
• mountain
• cliff

Examples of prominence in a Sentence

The company rose to prominence in the 1990s.

The publicity has given him a prominence he doesn't deserve.

Recent Examples on the Web

The 11-time Grammy Award winner gained prominence as one of the most prolific artists of the 1960s and 1970s. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026

Further complicating efforts to ensure a fair trial is the rhetoric swirling around Kirk’s death because of his political prominence. —Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

Scott Jensen, a doctor who rose to prominence for his criticism of state COVID policy, had 6% of the vote. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 4 Feb. 2026

Walden’s team has played the biggest role in growing Disney+ to worldwide prominence. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin prōminentia "state of projecting or jutting out," noun derivative of prōminent-, prōminens "projecting, standing out," from present participle of prōminēre "to project beyond a surface, stick out, stick up" — more at prominent

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for prominence

• dominance
• predominance

Kids Definition

prominence

noun

prom·​i·​nence ˈpräm(-ə)-nən(t)s 

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being prominent : distinction

a person of prominence

2

: something (as a mountain) that is prominent

3

: a mass of gas resembling a cloud that arises from the chromosphere of the sun

Medical Definition

prominence

noun

prom·​i·​nence ˈpräm(-ə)-nən(t)s 

: an elevation or projection on an anatomical structure (as a bone)