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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of prominent Pumps were prominent in various forms — high heel, wedges and block heel, as seen at Dior, Chanel, Maison Margiela, Balenciaga. Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 The board is chaired by prominent Saudi businessman Majid Al-Ibrahim, who also sits on the board of MBC Group. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2025 In the days following the shooting, some prominent Democrats have denounced the killing of Kirk but also criticized his political stances. Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2025 This year happens to be the F-150's 50th anniversary, and that first year, 1975, is prominent on the Truckle. Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • As far as the sustainability of humanity's energy consumption, Cohan said, the world is on the verge of making noticeable gains in protecting the environment from fossil fuel use.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The immediate post-facial glow was noticeable, but the more gradual improvements came from regular, at-home use.
    Samantha Leal, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a great opportunity to see some of the top players and teams live in one of the most famous ballparks in the sport.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • An aerial view of the property, which sits on over three acres just across from the the famous Kennedy family compound.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Reeves became Estragon, the more simplistic and long-suffering of the duo, while Winter tackled Vladimir, the more commanding and verbose character.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Since the late 90s, Jungen has forged a name for himself internationally through his commanding sculptural practice.
    News Desk, Artforum, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Later, Noone would tell the authorities that Scott had been fascinated by the famed British mathematician Alan Turing, who died by cyanide poisoning, in what was ruled a suicide, after being prosecuted for his homosexuality.
    Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • With this muscle, paired with active aero, the 3,737-pound (curb weight) Mercedes-AMG One set a production-car lap record at Germany’s famed Nürburgring-Nordschleife track in 2022.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Premier League football in the 2000s could be dramatic and explosive, but what the nostalgia for that era ignores is the number of dour, sterile games there were, many of them settled by a goal from a set piece.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Playing the role of a manager to George Clooney’s movie star character in the film, critics have praised him for what is clearly been another step in his evolution as a dramatic actor.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mark Rosenblatt’s Olivier Award-winning play Giant starring John Lithgow as iconic children’s author Roald Dahl has set its Broadway opening date for Monday, March 23, 2026, and will bring much of its celebrated London cast to New York.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025
  • During the 14 years between Voodoo and Black Messiah, D’Angelo set out to master the electric guitar, with the results of all that hard work coursing through the celebrated LP.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on hometown harvests, top tales and remarkable marathon runs.
    , FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The Milwaukee Brewers' remarkable postseason run has delivered substantial dividends at the ticket window, concession stands and for the region's economy.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That means the boot camp — led by vocal coaches, renowned producers, fitness trainers and star choreographers — will go beyond the fundamental basics of singing and dancing by including mental health care, physical wellness, media training and global studies.
    Griselda Flores, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Alessi has created a handful of moka pots by renowned designers over the years, but the moka pot by Italian architect Alessandro Mendrini is a classic.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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