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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 Suicidality is also a prominent section in the survey. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Affordability has been perhaps the most prominent issue of the campaign. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025 The desire to not fail was very prominent with her. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 5 Nov. 2025 Outside of his talk show, Friedland has become a prominent voice in the alt comedy scene, performing stand-up across the United States. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • Similarly, the depth of the pile doesn’t rebound if furniture is moved, which can be noticeable for a period of time.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Just as Mamdani aims to improve the lives of young people more broadly, those working under him could see a noticeable shift in how the workplace is run.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In 2006, researchers at Newcastle University found, in a study that became famous, that people were more likely to put money in an honesty box to pay for their coffee or tea when photographs of eyes were posted above the box.
    L. Carol Ritchie, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In fact, some famous fathers have doubled that average age, becoming dads past the age of 65.
    Sari Hitchins, Parents, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The World Series continues with Game 6 as the Dodgers look to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Taylor opted to go sans top beneath the jacket, heightening the commanding sensual style.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Over two decades in the making, the $1 billion museum -- set close to the famed Pyramids of Giza, just outside the capital Cairo -- is touted by officials as the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization.
    Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of famed zookeeper and television personality Steve Irwin further elaborated just why Russell's constructive criticism means so much.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The dramatic retelling chronicles the moments leading up to and immediately after the shotgun killings of Murdaugh’s wife, Maggie, and teenage son, Paul.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The country had made dramatic leaps in health-system capacity and life expectancy with the help of a mixture of projects.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanksgiving, one of America’s most celebrated holidays, is known for its nostalgic flavors, like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • That shouldn't come as much of a surprise, though, given that the drama's co-creator is Taylor Sheridan, the celebrated writer and producer known for shows such as Yellowstone, its prequels 1883 and 1923, and Mayor of Kingstown.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The questions surrounding the Mississippi crash and the mystery of why the animals were traveling through the South are remarkable, animal advocates say.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • But at the New York City Marathon in 2025, Truwit finished another marathon, completing the most remarkable comeback from a devastating physical and psychological trauma.
    Don Riddell, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • North Carolina is renowned for its music, creativity, and breathtaking mountain views, but its large-scale artworks offer another compelling reason to visit the state.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
  • While ski resorts can be found all over the continent, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and Norway are particularly renowned for their ski-friendly climates, terrain, and infrastructure.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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