Synonyms of prominent

prominent

adjective

ˈprä-mə-nənt 

1

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention

an attorney who occupies a prominent position in the town's social hierarchy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• noticeable
• commanding
• dramatic
• remarkable
• marked
• conspicuous
• impressive
• striking
• pronounced
• brilliant
• interesting
• outstanding
• visible
• showy
• flamboyant
• emphatic
• notable
• distinguished
• bold
• noisy
• noteworthy
• arresting
• recognizable
• loud
• catchy
• salient
• splashy
• eye-catching
• highlighted
• eminent
• discernible
• discernable
• glaring
• detectable
• perceptible
• kenspeckle
• grabby
• observable
• bodacious
• ornate
• fascinating
• swanky
• fancy
• spectacular
• extravagant
• flagrant
• gaudy
• glitzy
• tawdry
• flashy
• garish
• screaming
• spotlighted
• swank
• meretricious
• ostentatious
• pretentious
• jazzy
• opulent
• riveting
• absorbing
• enthralling
• overwrought
• florid
• engrossing
• hifalutin
• howling
• glittery
• overdone
• highfalutin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inconspicuous
• subtle
• unremarkable
• unobtrusive
• unnoticeable
• hidden
• obscure
• faint
• concealed
• insignificant
• shrouded
• unimportant
• dim
• unflamboyant
• unemphatic
• undistinguished
• modest
• unshowy
• conservative
• unaffected
• simple
• unassuming
• quiet
• plain
• unpretentious
• understated
• subdued
• restrained
• muted
• unflashy
• toned-down

2

as in famous

widely known

prominent figures in the history of sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

• famous
• famed
• celebrated
• renowned
• notorious
• distinguished
• visible
• noted
• infamous
• respected
• notable
• legendary
• well-known
• star
• important
• illustrious
• big-name
• outstanding
• remarkable
• leading
• noteworthy
• prestigious
• respectable
• great
• popular
• honorable
• eminent
• significant
• exceptional
• fabled
• fabulous
• reputable
• favorite
• recognized
• formidable
• preferred
• preeminent
• superior
• acknowledged
• estimable
• redoubtable
• supereminent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unknown
• obscure
• anonymous
• unsung
• unimportant
• insignificant
• nameless
• inconspicuous
• unfamous
• uncelebrated
• undistinguished
• unpopular
• unexceptional

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prominent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prominent are conspicuous, noticeable, outstanding, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

When might conspicuous be a better fit than prominent?

The words conspicuous and prominent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When can noticeable be used instead of prominent?

The words noticeable and prominent can be used in similar contexts, but noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Where would outstanding be a reasonable alternative to prominent?

The meanings of outstanding and prominent largely overlap; however, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

In what contexts can remarkable take the place of prominent?

The synonyms remarkable and prominent are sometimes interchangeable, but remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When is it sensible to use salient instead of prominent?

In some situations, the words salient and prominent are roughly equivalent. However, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When could striking be used to replace prominent?

Although the words striking and prominent have much in common, striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prominent

What else is going on Amid a listeria outbreak, an L.A. company pulled its food from shelves California voters have sharply differing views on the state’s two most prominent Black Democrats, according to a new poll. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025

Its founder, Andrew Grauer, got his first investment from his father, a prominent financier who still sits on the company’s board. —Emily Baker-White, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Some of the most prominent people in public life ... —Jack Butler, National Review, 11 May 2025

Yet the medium has been ignored by the world’s most prominent ceremonies, such as the Emmys, Grammys and Oscars. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 10 May 2025