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 In the years that followed, the government systematically assassinated prominent Kurdish leaders and other opposition leaders, both in Iran and overseas. Shukriya Bradost, The Conversation, 28 June 2025 Still, Johnson and Rivera emerged from Stonewall as two of the most prominent leaders in New York's LGBTQ+ community who would shape the movement for decades to come. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025 Kent Nishimura | Reuters A Google researcher maintains a webpage that catalogs many of the most prominent quantum algorithms. Kif Leswing, CNBC, 27 June 2025 At the man’s feet was a calling card identifying him as the Reverend Edward W. Hall, a prominent leader of the local Episcopal church. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • The ribbed texture is noticeable, but not too thick, and the contouring on the back and front could not be more flattering.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • The team issued an advisory noting that residents in nearby communities may see a noticeable increase in smoke July 5 coming from the southwest flank of the Oak Ridge Fire.
    Arlyssa D. Becenti, AZCentral.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Big Bear is famous for its diverse terrain and powder, and the atmosphere here is decidedly ski town-y, with all the bro-ness and craft breweries that go along with it.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025
  • Karlovy Vary is famous for not being precious about its honorary awards; each year’s trailer features a previous winner trash-talking, misusing or even destroying the event’s distinctive Crystal Globe statuette.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Five minutes later, an own goal by Inter Miami defender Tomas Aviles, who was subbed into the match in the 19th minute, gave PSG a commanding 3-0 lead.
    Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • The Democratic Socialist state Assembly member defied expectations and took a commanding lead in Tuesday's New York City mayoral primary.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Venice’s famed waterways and winding streets have hosted an array of high-profile weddings including François-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek-Pinault in 2009, George and Amal Clooney in 2014, and Alexandre Arnault and Géraldine Guyot in 2021.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
  • In November, the famed French hospitality group that operates luxury trains throughout Europe, will launch a new itinerary to coincide with Italy’s truffle season.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Males are slightly smaller than females and are known for dramatic courtship displays involving rapid wing beats and vocal trills.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Most economists think May’s figures signal a dramatic downshift to come.
    Irina Ivanova, Fortune, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Those games were both received very well, and are among the most celebrated of indie puzzle games of all time.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • Home bartenders can test recipes for lychee and peach jasmine tea spritzes that Forbes contributor Emily Cappiello sourced straight from some of the world's most celebrated waterfront hotels.
    Sarah Perez, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • OpenAI alone reports that its annual recurring revenue is expected to reach $12.5 billion in 2025, which is a remarkable growth rate for a 10-year-old startup.
    R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • What's especially remarkable is that the system can recreate the user's own voice, thanks to a voice cloning algorithm trained on recordings made before the onset of ALS.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The second competition, your Proxima section, which is now in its fourth year, wants to provide a space for bold works by young filmmakers and renowned auteurs alike from around the globe.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • Variety has learned that the broadcast network is currently working with renowned stand up comic Earthquake (born Nathaniel Stroman) to develop a half-hour sitcom based on his life.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prominent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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