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 The inscriptions include his throne, birth names of the Pharaoh, who is also known as Sesostris III, and was one of the most prominent rulers of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom. ABC News, 1 June 2026 The Vatican, which has one of the world's most expansive diplomatic footprints, including inside Syria, hosted a dinner where O'Brien connected with a prominent Lebanese businessman who had grown up with Assad. Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 1 June 2026 Khanna, a prominent Democrat from California, has underscored Platner’s rhetoric about taxing the rich and lifting up working-class Mainers. Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 June 2026 Most prominent are the 35-inch all-terrain tires ready to challenge any off-road interference. James Raia, Mercury News, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • This is particularly noticeable in the ballroom area, which hosts weekly wedding events, as well as other social and business functions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • But let’s get back to that extraordinary customizable dashboard, one of the most noticeable features.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • At other times, the music meditates on an image — there’s a tribute to Sylvia Plath, another famous McLean patient — that’s beautiful on its own but dramatically inert.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
  • Come evening, start your meal with the famous Mai Tai cocktail and the crunchy broccoli salad.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento took a commanding lead in the race for the District 2 seat on the OC Board of Supervisors as results were released following the close of polls Tuesday night.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
  • Ellis is the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson in Colorado.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Barcelona founded its famed La Masia academy in 1979.
    Andy Yamashita, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026
  • Later this month, Pope Leo XIV will visit Barcelona’s famed Sagrada Familia to inaugurate and bless the Tower of Jesus Christ, the final tower of the long-gestating church.
    Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Spurs are coming off a dramatic ousting of the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference finals in seven games.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • In a dramatic late-night sacking of a network news icon, CBS News has fired veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley.
    Josef Adalian, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The gruesome killings drew widespread attention after security video was made public in the country that relies heavily on its celebrated agriculture industry.
    Matteo Moschella, NBC news, 4 June 2026
  • Those are the celebrated opening lines of the first part of Howl’s three parts and its footnoted coda, with that initial sentence running-on for seventy-eight frenetic lines.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Hong Kong, Seoul — Kim Jong Un led the celebrations, and players wept with joy, as Asian club soccer’s newest women’s champions toasted a continental conquest that caps a remarkable run for North Korea’s female footballers.
    Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • The weekend overall was up a remarkable 63% from the same weekend last year, according to Comscore.
    Jake Coyle, Fortune, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ishigaki is renowned for its pristine beaches, sapphire ocean and Wagyu beef.
    Wayne Chang, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • As a player, Roberto Carlos was renowned for his pace, positioning, and strength and his ability to shut down wingers, especially in one-on-one situations.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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