prominent

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adjective prom·i·nent \ ˈprä-mə-nənt , ˈpräm-nənt \

Definition of prominent

1 :standing out or projecting beyond a surface or line :protuberant

2 a :readily noticeable :conspicuous

b :widely and popularly known :leading

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prominently

adverb

See prominent defined for English-language learners

See prominent defined for kids

Examples of prominent in a Sentence

… and a small precise mouth he kept pursed over teeth a shade too prominent and yellow. —John Updike, The Afterlife, 1994
When the easy way out seemed to be for a number of prominent men to support a petition to get Davis a pardon, which, if granted, would get the President and others off the hook, Davis was determined to let them hang there. —Robert Penn Warren, Jefferson Davis Gets His Citizenship Back, 1980
His eyes, which tended to bulge when he was exercised, were not quite prominent. —E. L. Doctorow, Ragtime, 1974
I don't mind his calling me raw. He is reckoned raw himself and at the same time perhaps the most prominent of the younger poets here. —Robert Frost, letter, c. 16 June 1913
He quickly became prominent in the music industry.
He placed the award in a prominent position on his desk.
He has a prominent nose.
the most prominent peak in the mountain range

Recent Examples of prominent from the Web

Presented with minimal displays of efficacy, prominent broadcasters devolve into breathless praise.

— lauren duca, Teen Vogue, "Read This From a Teleprompter: Donald Trump Is Unfit to Serve," 24 Aug. 2017
Nisen’s drug company background was a prominent factor in his hiring.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "CEO of SBP Medical Discovery Institute retires," 22 Aug. 2017
And with him, prominent animatronic Democrats who, just a few short years ago, said wonderful, moving things about Byrd after his funeral.

— john kass, chicagotribune.com, "While we're toppling offensive symbols, what about the Democratic Party?," 18 Aug. 2017
The president dissolved two business councils after its members, who are prominent CEOs and business leaders, began to publicly resign.

— sam dangremond, Town & Country, "Eight Charities Have Canceled Their Mar-a-Lago Galas This Week," 18 Aug. 2017
Charlottesville drew protests from white nationalist leaders after the city council voted to remove a prominent statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

— paula rogo, Essence.com, "Report: Majority Of Students Who Attend Public Schools Named After Confederate Leaders Are Of Color," 18 Aug. 2017
New Zealand bottles are prominent on the wine list as well.

— brittany martin, Los Angeles Magazine, "This is the Only Place You Can Get New Zealand Cuisine if You Live in LA," 16 Aug. 2017
Many prominent church leaders called on their fellow pastors to do the same this Sunday morning.

— emma green, The Atlantic, "How Will the Church Reckon With Charlottesville?," 13 Aug. 2017
Juniors Justin Taylor and Jake Perkins will also step into more prominent roles, said Commins.

— adam baum, Cincinnati.com, "CHL football crown up for grabs again," 13 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prominent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of prominent

Middle English promynent, from Latin prominent-, prominens, from present participle of prominēre to jut forward, from pro- forward + -minēre (akin to mont-, mons mountain) — more at mount

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First Known Use: 15th century

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prominent Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of prominent

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

PROMINENT Defined for English Language Learners

prominent

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adjective

Definition of prominent for English Language Learners

: important and well-known
: easily noticed or seen
: sticking out in a way that is easily seen or noticed

PROMINENT Defined for Kids

prominent

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adjective prom·i·nent \ ˈprä-mə-nənt \

Definition of prominent for Students

1 :important or well-known

prominent citizens

2 :attracting attention (as by size or position) :conspicuous

Long hair covers her prominent ears.

3 :sticking out beyond the surface

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prominently

adverb

Medical Dictionary

prominent

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adjective prom·i·nent \ ˈpräm-(ə-)nənt \

medical Definition of prominent

:standing out or projecting beyond a surface

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