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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 Regalado champions proposal The unorthodox proposal, drawn up by a prize-winning Miami planning firm, paid for by a prominent Miami developer and backed by Key Biscayne residents and public officials, has been embraced in hard-charging fashion by Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 The annual conference is the industry’s most prominent venue to show off its new products. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025 One of her most ridiculous theories stated that space lasers operated by a prominent Jewish banking family might be responsible for wildfires in California. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025 They’re now expanded as a ten-piece band, with a prominent string section. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • This gap is especially noticeable in close relationships, such as those with family and close friends, where shared understanding is critical to maintaining connection.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • The impact of that indirect heat was particularly noticeable in our onion test.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The other, called Dominator, is owned by the famous chaser Reed Timmer.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • The last three holes at this famous Charlotte venue are known as the Green Mile.
    Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Which ever of the two superstars steps up the biggest tonight can give their team a commanding lead as the series starts to come to a close.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Adam Henrique scored twice in what was a brutally physical first period, sparking the Oilers to a dominant 3-0 win to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their first-round series.
    Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yet by Holly Jackson A famed Y.A. author’s first foray into adult fiction centers on Jet Mason, the wayward daughter of a wealthy Vermont family.
    Laura Thompson, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • That same year, famed fabric maker Vitale Barberis Canonico zeroed in on VitoVi to launch its Heritage and New Talents program spotlighting womenswear and emerging designers.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Lowenstein examines how excessive leverage, overconfidence in mathematical models, and market forces beyond the fund's control led to one of the most dramatic financial failures in modern history.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Sirens’s ending is a solid reminder that, sometimes, the most dramatic stories can also be the most realistic.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Germany has had a taste, too, with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) recently acquiring its celebrated chemicals company Covestro for nearly €15 billion.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • His celebrated landscape series, such as The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō and One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, capture a lyrical relationship between people and place, expressed through subtle colour, elegant composition, and a deep sensitivity to the rhythms of nature and travel.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • For any teenage prodigy, that represents a remarkable start to a career.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • By measuring the ratios of uranium and lead isotopes, scientists can determine the crystal’s age with remarkable precision.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Chalamet, a native of the city, is a renowned fan of the blue and orange and notably stayed home to watch the first game of the series while Jenner flew solo at the Met Gala.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • This masterpiece is the brainchild of Enrique Fonseca, a renowned distiller and master blender.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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