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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

Examples of prominent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The cameras stopped rolling for one of Love Is Blind season 7's most prominent couples, but the drama didn't end there. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 2 Oct. 2024 The teams are being represented by one of the most prominent sports lawyers in the country, Jeffrey Kessler, co-executive chairman of Winston & Strawn. Jessica Golden,sara Eisen, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2024 The exceptional quality of our program, with 220 speakers participating in 56 panels, combined with the attendance of the 170 most prominent buyers in the industry, has made this an unmissable event for professionals. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Oct. 2024 Witherspoon is already a prominent voice in the literary world, as a bestselling writer and book enthusiast. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prominent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prominent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near prominent

Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prominent

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