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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 Another prominent one is the lawsuit between Oracle and SAP SE, which was settled in 2014. Chris Mele, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Born into a Russian family of prominent guitarists goes back three generations, Kolpakov is now based in North Carolina. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025 This news dovetails with previous events, such as Trump welcoming the prominent antisemites Nick Fuentes and Kanye West to his home for dinner. Jelani Cobb, New Yorker, 25 May 2025 The cooked agave notes are more prominent on the palate, accompanied by citrus and tropical fruits, a touch of anise/licorice, and a mild pepperiness. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • The dog's most distinctive feature—a noticeable facial deformity—raised immediate questions.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Even more notably, Tha Carter V sold a massive 480,000 units in its debut week back in 2018, underscoring a noticeable slide in first-week performance over the years.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Swiss watchmaker has returned as world sponsor and official timekeeper of the famous Italian endurance rally for another year, releasing two new timepieces to mark the occasion.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • Carla Worden via IMDb; Murray Close—Getty Images British child actor Lox Pratt, who is also set to star in the BBC’s upcoming Lord of the Flies series adapted from William Golding’s famous novel, will portray Harry’s schoolmate and nemesis, Draco Malfoy.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 10 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
  • The viewer gains the impression of being present for the interview sessions between Turner-Seed, Henri-Cartier-Bresson, Gordon Parks and the other famed photographers heard on the recordings.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 14 June 2025
  • Many demonstrators splintered off from the main group, with some heading all the way down to Zuccotti Park in lower Manhattan, where the famed Occupy Wall Street protests were held back in 2011.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • The celebrated poet first visited Medu in disguise.
    Katie Mitchell, Essence, 7 June 2025
  • Pacino’s The Ritual — which opened in theaters on Friday — has critics not raving, but ripping the celebrated actor’s exorcism film.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • While working at a renowned medical device and drug company, Don became part of early efforts involving angiostatin, a compound that briefly made headlines in the 1990s for its potential to inhibit blood vessels feeding tumors.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Brian Newman, renowned trumpeter and bandleader for Lady Gaga's jazz projects, always wanted to be a musician.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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