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 Pro-colonialist sentiment is surging among some prominent figures inside the White House and the broader MAGA political movement. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026 The film features behind-the-scenes looks at some of the most prominent up-and-coming indie-rock and punk bands of the 90s. Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026 Tharo Khun is program manager for the Center of Alliance of Labor and Human Rights (CENTRAL) and a prominent labor advocate with more than a decade of experience in labor rights. Tharo Khun, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026 Both companies — alongside prominent Chinese startups, including DeepSeek — are rapidly upgrading their models to compete with OpenAI and other US rivals. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • The buzz around the Patriots has been noticeable even far from Foxboro.
    Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Fingerprints, smudges, and wear are more noticeable to modern buyers, especially those with families, which has driven interest in matte finishes or smudge-resistant options.
    Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Commonly framed and told histories of Indigenous women such as Pocahontas and Sacagawea, who are associated with famous expeditions by white English settlers in North America, are clear examples.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Aspen, Colorado, long synonymous with luxury skiing, has been attracting the rich and famous – including celebrities and the Royals – to its slopes for decades.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Uganda’s longtime President Yoweri Museveni took a commanding lead in early election results as reports of deadly violence emerged following Thursday’s vote.
    Preeti Jha, semafor.com, 16 Jan. 2026
  • At this point, Lawrence needs a commanding postseason display to turn that around.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Following her participation in the event, which reunited several of the stars of the famed 1966 Batman live-action series, Newmar won't attend any other fan conventions or expos.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Stamp to be publicly unveiled A first-day-of-issue ceremony for the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp is planned for Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, the birthplace of the famed boxer and home to the Muhammad Ali Center, which showcases his life and legacy.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Accessible by ferry but deliberately low-key, the island is defined by dramatic cliffs, a compact hilltop village and a strong sense of local culture.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Atlanta Police Chief Darren Schierbaum said Tuesday at a news conference that his city has seen a dramatic decrease in shootings since 2022.
    Anna Schecter, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Abask features pieces from celebrated makers such as Japanese textile maker Suzusan, quilters Kate Owen and Pemberton Qwilts, along with The Elder Stateman (the brand spinning cashmere into all kinds of luxe accessories).
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2026
  • One of the world’s most celebrated cats is ready to join your fleet.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What’s remarkable is the Leafs have done it without Tanev, their best penalty killer, for most of the season and without another top penalty killer, Brandon Carlo, for the better part of the last two months.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The whimsical term has also been the title of countless poems, songs and books about remarkable coincidences or eureka moments.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The impressive North American tree, thriving in growing zones 4 through 8, is renowned for its unique gray bark that peels off in shaggy plates.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 21 Jan. 2026
  • At the World Economic Forum’s opening ceremony, music mingled with Tanchum’s installation, which reacted in real time on stage to performances by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, joined by renowned violinist Renaud Capuçon and Grammy Award–winning artist Jon Batiste.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

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