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 league has spent millions of its own money trying to make flag more prominent, including plans for a new pro league. Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Oren and Alon Alexander, prominent luxury real estate brokers, convicted after five-week trial. Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026 Krauss dropped the names of prominent invitees. Scott Neuman, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026 As recently as last month, Cipriani and Shell sat down to resolve their disputes, with a prominent industry attorney in the room. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • Tuesday's storm is not a major storm but, will deliver a noticeable change from the stretch of unseasonably warm, near record temperatures of the last few days.
    Dave Aguilera, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • One shopper said that the effects have been noticeable to others as well.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Although the majority of the missiles aimed at Dubai have been intercepted, the attacks have damaged some of its most famous landmarks, including the five-star Fairmont The Palm and Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel.
    Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Locals boast that their cielo tejido is world famous, and once even went on display in Dubai.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Croke entered 2026 with a commanding financial advantage over her primary opponents, ending 2025 with more than $833,000 in her campaign fund — more than her three Democratic rivals combined.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Mendizábal’s guidance throughout is full of commanding touches, each development provided to the actor as a life or death matter; just notice every brutal choice Smits and De Jesús are forced to reckon with as Joe and Kate.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The case in Rio de Janeiro’s famed beachside neighborhood, which allegedly took place in January, gained national traction last week when four suspects handed themselves over to authorities.
    Eléonore Hughes, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Where Little Foot falls on the family tree Little Foot’s skeleton is 50% more complete than the famed Lucy fossil, found in Ethiopia in 1974 by paleoanthropologists Donald Johanson and Tom Gray.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • She’s also known for her directness, which has led to dramatic clashes with her fellow commissioners.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The Trigger Warning star took to Instagram on Wednesday, March 4 with full-on disco curls and a zebra-print halter dress in what was a rather dramatic departure from her signature loose waves and laid-back, California-cool style.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The bride's minimalist wedding gown is arguably the most celebrated detail of the entire ceremony.
    Emma Banks, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Stunning results are the celebrated rewards of March.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Since beginning their racing journey in 2013, the duo has run thousands of miles, including a remarkable 3,205 mile run across America in just 60 days to raise awareness for cerebral palsy and inspire athletes of all abilities.
    Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • March 8 is International Women's Day — a date picked in honor of a remarkable Russian protest.
    Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Jack Horner, a renowned paleontologist who worked as a consultant on all seven films in the Jurassic Park franchise, is no longer employed as a lecturer at Chapman University, following his name appearing several times in the Epstein files.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The show draws from the museum's renowned collection, as well as pieces on loan for this exhibition through July.
    Derek James, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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