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

Teal wingtips spread, green and yellow plumage vivid against red crowns, the striking birds sailed directly overhead. —Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Against that backdrop, granting blanket authorization for fully driverless vehicles would be a striking double standard. —Sara Lind, New York Daily News, 23 Jan. 2026

The offset wood pattern is striking, the craftsmanship is immediately apparent, and the Boardsmith's end-grain construction keeps your knives sharper longer than standard edge-grain boards. —Lizzy Briskin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026

In one striking moment, a woman dries dishes in one of the communal houses of the Niskayuna Shaker settlement. —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 22 Jan. 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