prominent

adjective

prom·​i·​nent ˈprä-mə-nənt How to pronounce prominent (audio)
ˈpräm-nənt
1
a
: standing out or projecting beyond a surface or line : protuberant
prominent cheekbones
a prominent nose/chin
the most prominent peak in the mountain range
b
: readily noticeable : conspicuous
With smaller tiles, the grout lines will be more prominent because the tiles themselves take up less space.Sarah Baird
Books about clans and castles were prominent on the shelves in our den in a Chicago suburb.Cameron McWhirter
2
: widely and popularly known : leading
The new policy is opposed by prominent members of the faculty.
The largemouth bass is the most prominent and sought-after fish, but there are many different species in the lake.Gabi De la Rosa
prominently adverb
The award is prominently positioned where everyone can see it.
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The homeowners, who have not been identified by law enforcement, have retained Guy Relford, one of Indiana's most prominent constitutional lawyers. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 14 Nov. 2025 Burnashev has emerged as a prominent figure in contemporary Yakutian cinema, known for atmospheric storytelling that blends modern life with indigenous Sakha perspectives. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025 Around the time of the double homicide, the prominent legal family was facing a myriad of issues — including financial problems, Paul's upcoming trial in connection with the boating death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach and suspicion surrounding their housekeeper Gloria Satterfield's 2018 death. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025 Skarsgård began acting professionally in Sweden in the 1960s, gaining early fame at the age of 17 for his role in the TV series Bombi Bitt och jag, quickly becoming a prominent figure in Swedish theater and film throughout the 1970s and ’80s. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prominent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English promynent, borrowed from Latin prōminent-, prōminens "projecting, standing out," from present participle of prōminēre "to project beyond a surface, stick out, stick up," from prō- pro- entry 2 + -minēre, taken to mean "stand out, rise above" (unattested without a prefix) — more at minatory

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prominent was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prominent. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

prominent

adjective
prom·​i·​nent ˈpräm(-ə)-nənt How to pronounce prominent (audio)
1
: sticking out beyond a surface or line
2
: easily noticeable
the prominent sound was the drumbeat
3
: distinguished, eminent
our most prominent citizens
prominently adverb

Medical Definition

prominent

adjective
prom·​i·​nent ˈpräm-(ə-)nənt How to pronounce prominent (audio)
: standing out or projecting beyond a surface

More from Merriam-Webster on prominent

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