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 Collier will be one of the most prominent players in the league to enter free agency before the 2027 season, along with Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell and Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young. — CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 His breakthrough acting project came in 1974 with a prominent role as the chief villain in Mark Robson’s disaster epic Earthquake. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Some of the most prominent MAHA organizations are actively organizing against AI interests. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 That appeal is yielding endorsements from prominent former Republican Govs. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • Beyond pantry doors and magnetic racks, three more swaps make a noticeable difference in a tight kitchen.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Some of these changes are noticeable without any special technology, says Ibañez, including slower speech, longer pauses, a flatter emotional tone, trouble finding the right word, or vaguer, less specific language.
    — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Wat Po Deluxe rooms, which face away from the river, actually give you a very striking, colorful view of tropical plants and the intricate, tiled chedis of this famous temple complex.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The famous colleagues who’ve shown up for the open bar and Louis gift bags don’t add much.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Kirkwood had a commanding lead before Palou's spin caused a caution.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Adrián Marín set up the play with his pass to Tiago as Orlando took what seemed to be a commanding lead in the second half.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of a nanny, Lowen Ashleigh (Johnson) is a up-and-coming writer hired to help famed author Verity Crawford (Hathaway) finish her series of twisted psychological thrillers after a car accident left her unable to complete them on her own.
    — Glamour, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026
  • An annual auction will be held at the famed botanic garden outside Santa Barbara.
    — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The dramatic lighting and wax museums are just spooky enough to summon the spirit of the witch trials without being off-putting for children.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Intense sound effects—such as the exceptionally long reverberation and echoes inside the Blue Demon tomb—gave a dramatic soundtrack to this intense, immersive experience.
    — Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Now the sports outlet is likely to tamp down on costs by parting ways with the celebrated color commentator.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • This year, the event will once again feature panels, thought-provoking conversations, roundtables, networking opportunities and activations, along with the celebrated Billboard En Vivo performances.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This lushness is truly remarkable on an island known for its volcanic soil, which traditionally hampers plant growth.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The remarkable rise of Hyperliquid In the short time since the Hyperliquid blockchain launched in 2023, its HYPE token has vaulted into the top 10 most valuable cryptocurrencies.
    — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Prestonfield House is one of the city's most renowned five-star hotels, with a location within walking distance of all the key sights—and all the bustle of the Fringe's top venues—while feeling like a world away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • In Los Angeles, the contemporary art collector and founder of Taschen Books—the renowned global publisher of coffee table art and design books—owns the spaceship-like Chemosphere in the Hollywood Hills, crafted by John Lautner in 1960.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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