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

Names like Mario Batali and Gino D’Acampo, along with tertiary institutions like Bon Appétit and major media organizations, have tumbled from prominence due to allegations of toxic or bullying behavior. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026

What followed became an exercise in thinking through what is lost—and perhaps can never be regained—when transphobes and their enablers rise to prominence as our most powerful cultural gatekeepers. —Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026

Chase being involved for who knows what reason; attempts from Dakota to steal focus from his baby mamma, Taylor; and an out-of-place prominence on DadTok in general. —Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026

Public confidence in the legal system depends on the belief that rules are applied evenly and without regard to politics, ideology, or personal prominence. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 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)