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 Davies included a screenshot of remarks from his friend and prominent transgender artist, Jayne County, about the significance of the song to her community. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026 Zobell and John Clark Rose, an artist and movie director for Disney, were prominent in that effort. Richard Dahlberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 Two other prominent figures decided against entering the race. City News Service, Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026 The videos posted online appeared to show a prominent lawyer reporting corruption on the part of the mayor of Ljubljana, a close ally of Golob, and a former energy executive claiming that the prime minister was willing to privatize a key power company. Jan Bratanic Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • That second gear arrives only after 120 KPH, and while the handover is noticeable (though not harsh), your butt dyno will also note that the torque curve is in fact a straight line that doesn’t relent.
    Sean Evans, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Sometimes these shifts are small, noticeable only to the character experiencing them, as when an impending hurricane heightens the narrator’s receptivity to the minor mysteries of humble objects.
    Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That was a cool moment between one of the world’s most famous couples.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
  • One is beautiful and famous the world over; the other is even more beautiful yet content not to have to put up with all the fuss and attention.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The play subverts itself, never allowing an audience to gain a commanding foothill, even at the end when (suffice it to say) the watchers become the watched.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2026
  • At 132 feet, the 40P is larger and more commanding, offering additional space and slightly flashier features.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • It had been preceded from 1982 to 1985 by the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, a West Coast edition of the famed New Mexico festival that was presented under the auspices of the La Jolla Chamber Music Society at venues that included the Sherwood and The Old Globe in Balboa Park.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Three people were killed when a tour helicopter broke apart near Honolulu in April 2019, and that December seven people died - including three children - when one crashed in turbulent weather near the famed Na Pali Coast.
    JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This inquiry into police corruption stems from a dramatic news conference last year by a provincial police officer, who accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police officers of having links with organized crime.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
  • While a portion of rallygoers voiced support for dramatic intervention against Cuba's leadership, others said their focus remains on peaceful, lasting reform.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The restaurant in the boutique Rivertown Lodge is closing to make way for Pez, a contemporary Mexican spot from Efrén Hernández, the chef behind the celebrated Casa Susanna at Camptown in Leeds, from the same hotel ownership.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Oscar marked one of Hollywood’s most celebrated comebacks.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In three seasons with the Red Storm, the 73-year-old Pitino has led a remarkable resurgence for the New York City program, coaching the Johnnies to consecutive Big East regular-season and tournament championships.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The region is at the end of a remarkable heat wave that lasted about two weeks, breaking records from Borrego Springs to Oceanside.
    Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Come morning, make a beeline for pastries by renowned chef Cédric Grolet–from cake-sized cinnamon rolls to sculptural waffle flowers and fresh-out-the-oven viennoiseries.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Mar. 2026
  • But there is a slice of Coleman Hawkins, unbelievably, playing a number in this movie, and some other really renowned African American jazz musicians.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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