striking

adjective

strik·​ing ˈstrī-kiŋ 

: attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities

a place of striking beauty

strikingly adverb

Synonyms of striking

• noticeable
• prominent
• commanding
• dramatic
• 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

With a surreal visual language that hat-tips everyone from Jacques Tati to Michael Haneke and the filmmaker’s longtime mentor Jia Zhangke, the film is a striking, startling class critique based on Manuel’s own Silver Bear-winning 2020 short film. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2026

From the giant evil balloon, known as Rover, to the beautiful houses of Portmeirion itself, The Prisoner is an incredibly visually striking show. — William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026

The extra work to spot it may be worth it, though, to see the space object's fuzzy glow and striking tail. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 July 2026

In a striking change from the past 19 years—the Gates Foundation will receive none of it. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 14 July 2026

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