Definition of prominentnext
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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 Some prominent labor unions, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, backed Chavez-DeRemer, who is a daughter of a Teamster, for Labor secretary. Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Some prominent labor unions, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, backed Chavez-DeRemer, who is a daughter of a Teamster, for Labor Secretary. Seung Min Kim, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 Evangelicals have mostly stuck by Trump, even with prominent defectors such as Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore and New York Times columnist David French railing against widespread Christian support for the president, given his personal life and tendency to make incendiary statements. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026 Social media helped amplify the buzz, drawing prominent artists. ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • Tips for a great visit Arriving early can make a noticeable difference.
    Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the auction house’s listing, Francatelli was a secretary to fashion designer Lucy Duff Gordon, who was famous for her dress designs in popular London, Paris, and New York salons.
    Francie Ebert, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Big Bear’s most famous bald eagle family is growing, and now the public has a chance to help choose the monikers for its newest members.
    Cierra Morgan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Starlink has 10,000 satellites, a commanding lead over Amazon’s 200-strong Leo constellation; Globalstar has a further 25, but the real prize is control over part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026
  • In the case of Project Nightingale, that number is constrained by the fact that only 100 examples of the commanding convertible will be built.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • One afternoon, the delegation visits the home of Yuri Kochiyama, a famed Japanese American activist, and meets her friend Malcolm X.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • One of the night’s stranger guests was Fabio Declares, a famed Michael Jackson impersonator.
    John Ross, Vanity Fair, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In a dramatic scene, officers were captured on video approaching the home with guns drawn, looking for a suspect.
    Austin Turner, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • But what makes this situation so hard is that there’s no obvious villain and no dramatic fallout (which, in some ways, would almost be easier to deal with).
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • From a controversial flashpoint to a celebrated classic, Cruising has played many roles in gay culture.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Ari Hodara, a software engineer, is now the owner of the Spanish master’s 1941 Head of a Woman, depicting Picasso’s longtime muse and lover Dora Maar, a celebrated photographer and Surrealist in her own right.
    News Desk, Artforum, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The remarkable feat represents a big stride for China in its technological rivalry with the US, which has thus far boasted more sophisticated humanoid models.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Eventually, some investors reach a remarkable milestone.
    Steve Booren, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • One is Henry Jarecki, a renowned psychiatrist.
    Curt Devine, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
  • West Wittering beach is a renowned bird-watching destination.
    Emma Clarke, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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