striking

adjective

strik·​ing ˈstrī-kiŋ How to pronounce striking (audio)
: attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities
a place of striking beauty
strikingly adverb
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 Most visually striking are Isabella Whitfield’s meticulous layouts of individual rice grains, placed in rows fixed by plaster and clay inside large flat bowls that are mounted on the wall. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Trump's near-sweep of GOP contests in 15 states and one territory − with the exception of Vermont − put him within striking distance of enough Republican National Convention delegates to clinch the nomination, whether or not former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley continues to run against him. Susan Page, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 The striking junior doctors are a small fraction of the country's 140,000 doctors. Hyung-Jin Kim, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 Their campaign to oust him is a striking example — in one of the most powerful precincts in the country — of how a response to a surge in crime has cut across political and ideological lines. Andrew Trunsky, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 These statement-making selects either have a striking metallic hue or sparkly finish to add a little flair to pretty much any outfit. Lauren Dana Ellman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Feb. 2024 The two sides recently squabbled over who would support the striking auto unions in Michigan and raced to visit their picket lines. Desirée Leclercq, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024 Jennifer Lawrence stood out in a striking three-piece suit, featuring a head-turning waistcoat worn sans bra and blouse. Alex Kessler, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2024 On Sunday, the Dune: Part Two star and fashion rule breaker attended the action film's premiere in New York City, clad in a striking leather-on-leather look. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'striking.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of striking was in 1725

Dictionary Entries Near striking

Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/striking. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

striking

adjective
strik·​ing
ˈstrī-kiŋ
: attracting attention : remarkable, impressive
a striking costume
a striking resemblance
strikingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on striking

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