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 With their slender, metallic green bodies and prominent black eyes, emerald ash borers have a striking, jewel-like appearance. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026 An appellate court has upheld the fraud convictions of the two former top executives at Outcome Health — a once-prominent Chicago tech company. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 In a very prominent case in July 2019, A$AP Rocky was involved in a street fight in Sweden and was jailed until his trial. Leah Rachel Von Essen, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 But even as prominent DeSantis allies have endorsed Donalds, DeSantis himself has refused to do so. Paige Stevens, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • Although the moon’s dark umbral shadow will miss North America, millions of people will still see the moon take a noticeable bite out of the sun.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Sodium-ion chemistry also performs well in cold weather, where conventional lithium-ion batteries often experience noticeable reductions in charging speed and driving range.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That disposition, building inside a system with no certainty of outcome, is what every emerging market requires from the people inside it who are not yet famous enough to wait.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Opulent Gundel, the famous café and restaurant that opened in 1910, is nearby.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In neighboring Wisconsin, Francesca Hong, who previously aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, has what appears to be a commanding lead in the gubernatorial primary.
    Tamara Keith, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Eventually, Skubal morphed into the game’s best and most commanding pitcher.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The building is in the center of the lively New York University neighborhood, and just a few feet from the famed art/architecture/engieeering school the Cooper Union.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Hotel L'Orologio Venice overlooks the Grand Canal near the famed Rialto Bridge, in the heart of Venice's historic center.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Margo’s dramatic angst no longer feels like a play for competitive advantage.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The action franchise, developed through a creative collaboration between Jain and D’Souza, is described as combining high-octane action with dramatic storytelling.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Considering Banks’ filmography spans 50 years and includes Breaking Bad’s assortment of highly celebrated villains, Dalton knew the weight of such a statement.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
  • That’s the all-important question every sports car fan is asking about Mazda’s most celebrated car.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • As the war in Iran continues, TIFF will host the world premiere of a Tehran, Under the Skin, a documentary that offers a remarkable view of an unexpected aspect of Iranian society.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The latest find is one of many remarkable Roman discoveries made across England in recent years.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Heim, 31, is a former All-Star and World Series champion known as a renowned defensive catcher and pitch framer.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Now, winemakers and enthusiasts are worried about the economic impact on some of the country's finest products, most notably, renowned reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
    Martina Di Licosa, CBS News, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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