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 After the mandatory scratch, the horse returns to action in another prominent event. Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026 The district is Maryland’s largest and encompasses many prominent Washington suburbs, including Bethesda and Rockville. Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026 Another report from a prominent NBA insider has connected the Celtics to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026 Prior to the lawsuit, Smith and Santana had asked for a public retraction and correction and either a prominent disclaimer attached to the film or an end to its distribution. Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • The Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, where your structure is more noticeable.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The combination of skilled care, more affordable pricing, and the appeal of travelling for treatment has shaped a noticeable trend.
    K.H. Koehler, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The barren landscape, despite its harsh conditions (daytime temperatures often exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit), was—and still is—famous for its connection to many legends of treasure.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 May 2026
  • Elkann, a keen offshore sailor himself, says Hypersail follows in the footsteps of Ferrari’s passion for endurance, drawing inspiration from the Ferrari 499P hypercar, which has won the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans three years in a row since the team’s return to endurance racing in 2023.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Senior midfielder Meghan O’Donnell, who scored her eighth goal of the season during Libertyville’s 3-2 win over Waubonsie Valley on Thursday, said Chung is a commanding presence.
    Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Few materials feel so commanding and permanent as concrete.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Primm Valley, Whiskey Pete’s and Buffalo Bill’s all hosted at one time the famed Bonnie and Clyde V-8 Ford riddled with more than 100 bullets in 1934.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • In Key West, grab a cold one at the famed Sloppy Joe’s bar, see the famous five-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home, dive into history at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and watch the glorious sunsets at Mallory Square.
    Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • The fallout from Tuesday’s protest, while less dramatic than a similar demonstration outside the synagogue in November, touched on issues that have become deeply contentious across NYC.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026
  • The political transition that followed the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year was always expected to fracture Venezuela’s ruling movement.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Food and drink The hotel's restaurant, Enna, is helmed by executive chef Rodolfo Castellanos—one of the most celebrated culinary figures in Oaxaca, and someone whose name carries serious weight in the region's dining scene.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
  • When the footage from a celebrated 1996 first-contact expedition in the Amazon resurfaces decades later, a triumphant story of discovery unravels into a reckoning with colonialism, documentary ethics, and the lasting impact on the Korubo people.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Its evolution into a mainstream proposition and a legal necessity has been swift and remarkable.
    Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • The indictment is remarkable in its detail, laying out a web of corruption at the highest levels of the Mexican government.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • The multi-bedroom residences provide space for kids to spread out, and the resort offers fun and educational activities through the Ritz-Carlton’s renowned Ambassadors of the Environment program.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
  • When the news broke Wednesday that Ted Turner, the renowned media and sports mogul, had died at the age of 87, leading voices in the media and entertainment world showered praise upon his legacy.
    Marlow Stern, Variety, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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