striking

adjective

strik·​ing ˈstrī-kiŋ 

: attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities

a place of striking beauty

strikingly adverb

Synonyms

• arresting
• bodacious
• bold
• brilliant
• catchy
• commanding
• conspicuous
• dramatic
• emphatic
• eye-catching
• flamboyant
• grabby
• kenspeckle [chiefly Scottish]
• marked
• noisy
• noticeable
• prominent
• pronounced
• remarkable
• showy
• splashy

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

Leather, a seasonal staple, is seeing a refresh with artful, feminine designs, while chunky knit dresses offer a more striking yet effortlessly cool approach to sweater weather. —Laura Lajiness Kaupke, refinery29.com, 4 Sep. 2024

Each set comes with three holders of different heights to create a more striking visual interest. —Cristian Esteban, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2024

Dutch Restrictions While across Europe anti-foreign sentiment keeps rising, limitations on foreign students are perhaps nowhere more striking than in the Netherlands, where a coalition supported by the far right has pushed a policy to restrict foreign students’ access to Dutch universities. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 17 Aug. 2024

This lushness is even more striking given the arid landscape of the surrounding Lāna'i, an island that contrasts sharply with the rest of Hawaii: Over decades, industries such as ranching and pineapple farming have left lasting marks on Lāna'i's terrain. —Christine Chitnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Aug. 2024

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

Kids Definition

striking

adjective

strik·​ing

ˈstrī-kiŋ

: attracting attention : remarkable, impressive

a striking costume

a striking resemblance

strikingly adverb