Definition of prominentnext
1
2

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 None of those decisions was ever the technology team’s to make, signaling that AI strategy has become a core CEO responsibility and will become even more prominent in 2027. Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, SpaceXAI's Elon Musk and other prominent industry leaders have said in recent days that AI’s development needs to slow down. ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026 The photos were first seen in February as part of a special digital cover issue spotlighting some of the league’s most prominent WAGs — wives and girlfriends. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026 Those stark early images scored him apprenticeships with prominent photographer Howell Conant and commercial photographer Lee Michaels. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • If Taron Johnson and the secondary hold up against complex passing schemes, the unit should take a noticeable leap in efficiency.
    David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Separate data from Indeed’s Job Postings Index also shows a seasonal ramp-up that is noticeable around Labor Day and the weeks that follow.
    Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Emilia Clarke and Emma D’Arcy, famous for playing Targaryen baddies, presented an award at the ceremony.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
  • To mark the beginning of the new football season, SI Swimsuit reshared photos Monday of NFL significant others who have posed for the famous swimwear issue, including Brittany Mahomes.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Kirkwood had a commanding lead before Palou's spin caused a caution.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Adrián Marín set up the play with his pass to Tiago as Orlando took what seemed to be a commanding lead in the second half.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The designer brought together an A-list crowd for his spectacle of a New York Fashion Week show at the famed Plaza Hotel in Midtown Manhattan Thursday afternoon.
    Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The hub, which opened in 2025, is housed in a 1940s home formerly owned by the famed Toso glassmaking family.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The interplay between players and their coaches often generates some of the most dramatic viewing moments of a tennis match.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • But within this storytelling paradigm, Adnani imbues each scene with a dramatic wrath bubbling just beneath the surface.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Big names holding the pen Some celebrated playwrights are theater categories unto themselves.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Rising from an impoverished background to become a celebrated stage star in Romania, the actress and directing debutante has defied all odds to reach the starry heights of the Lido.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Not one person, not one thing, but cycles of cumulative, relational and shared actions that are equal parts remarkable and common.
    Supriya Lopez Pillai, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The Etruscan painted tombs of Tarquinia, Italy, dating from around the 7th to the 1st century BCE, have long been celebrated for their vivid iconography and remarkable state of preservation.
    Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s the liberal-arts college, and then there’s the renowned music conservatory.
    Jesse Dougherty, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Epicureans will appreciate exclusive dinners with chefs and wine-tasting excursions in a Maltese vineyard, while visits to the ateliers of internationally renowned artists, designers, and perfumiers personalize shopping opportunities.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster