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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conspicuous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conspicuous are noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can noticeable take the place of conspicuous?

The meanings of noticeable and conspicuous largely overlap; however, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

When can outstanding be used instead of conspicuous?

Although the words outstanding and conspicuous have much in common, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

Where would prominent be a reasonable alternative to conspicuous?

The words prominent and conspicuous can be used in similar contexts, but 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 would remarkable be a good substitute for conspicuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to conspicuous, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When might salient be a better fit than conspicuous?

While the synonyms salient and conspicuous are close in meaning, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When is striking a more appropriate choice than conspicuous?

The synonyms striking and conspicuous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 conspicuous Despite years of effort to bury power lines and telephone cables, railway corridors remain cluttered with conspicuous poles, wires, and metalwork. Marianne Lehnis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 Rat tunnels, which may have an opening that’s 3 inches in diameter, are found in less conspicuous spots, such as near wood piles. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 May 2025 Fence lizards choose conspicuous basking places, such as tree trunks, rocks ... and fences. Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025 The goal is to embed digital functionality within eyewear in a manner that blends with contemporary style, aiming for a less conspicuous technological presence. Alex Levin, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for conspicuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conspicuous
Adjective
  • Last year, there were multiple reports and videos of noticeable early exits at various Trump events.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • Even after shaking the comforter, there was no noticeable movement of the down fill to the edge of the pockets.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Lionsgate post-Starz spin-off would be the most obvious choice, without the weight of cable networks on both sides and with a host of still-viable Lionsgate franchises including John Wick, The Hunger Games and Saw.
    Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Sending in the National Guard was an obvious military flex, designed to to bait Angelenos while perhaps distracting Americans from Trump’s far greater troubles.
    Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • The two prominent Idaho families joined when Andrus’s youngest daughter, Kelly, married Church’s son Chase in 1989.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2025
  • His script may go over the top, and a generally adept cast (which also includes prominent parts for Sinbad, Rockmond Dunbar, Shalet Monique and others) copes variably with its excesses.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over 260 state legislators from both parties have condemned the move, calling it a blatant overreach that strips communities of the ability to respond to real-world harms.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • The film noir influences that O’Hara is talking about making a blatant part of this production are intriguing.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The defending champions must find a way to slow down the duo of Draisaitl and Connor McDavid in Game 2, or the series could be heading to Florida with the Oilers holding a commanding 2-0 lead.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • Early polls, such as an Inside California Politics/Emerson survey show her with a commanding 31% to 8% lead over former Rep. Katie Porter, who was in second, among likely voters.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Last year’s champs the Ghouls are a glaring and righteous exception.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 1 June 2025
  • Their most glaring needs — a No. 1 receiver and left tackle — are being addressed by Diggs and Campbell.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite encountering macroeconomic challenges, the brand persists as a global growth powerhouse with an expanding international presence and remarkable efficiency.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Even the endless parade of records this match set doesn’t quite do justice to the remarkable tennis on display.
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The dispute involves the latest instance of the Trump Administration orchestrating a speedy and dramatic about-face by federal agencies on DEI policies, transgender rights and similar culture war issues.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
  • And some series drew big crowds, such as Hagerty’s dramatic three-game conquests against Winter Park and Spruce Creek, which included three extra-inning games.
    Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conspicuous. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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