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 club had grown so popular by this time, however, that instead of closing as well it was organized as a Florida nonprofit organization by 300 prominent Miami businessmen. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026 Stripes are a prominent feature of many of the vintage activewear trends that caught my eye, and the new Vuori Seamless Euphoric Tank nails the look with a pop of blue lining the otherwise simple top. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026 The other prominent figures onstage — including Melania, Vice President JD Vance and pregnant press secretary Karoline Leavitt — were also seen on camera being removed from the ballroom. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 Earlier this year, the group released a cypher, positioning ØWay as a prominent collective from Atlanta’s underground. Oba Awolowo, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 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 most famous shredder of all time is Eddie Van Halen.
    Mary Norris, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • This remote coastline in western Australia is a stark contrast to the country's more famous beaches, such as Bondi Beach, but is just as beautiful.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Few materials feel so commanding and permanent as concrete.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2026
  • On Monday night, the Magic stunned the Pistons in Central Florida to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Mega-shows on Rio's famed shoreline have become a draw to the city, and Madonna and Lady Gaga have given similarly massive performances in front of the iconic Copacabana Palace hotel in recent years.
    Rodrigo Viga Gaier, USA Today, 3 May 2026
  • The service Staff are young, creative, attentive—balancing friendliness with just the right dose of Japan’s famed omotenashi hospitality.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The life of a music director at a major opera company is inevitably one engaged in tragedy, and Conlon exhibits the dramatic flair to grip its emotional immensity.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Surely, many are concerned over the dramatic impact this innovation will have on jobs and workforce participation, particularly given how quickly these changes are anticipated.
    Bill Connolly, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The menu is an homage to the most celebrated Peruvian dishes, with big platters of ceviche and tiradito, saltados and rice with chicken, beef and seafood.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • David Vanacore was the most celebrated composer of the evening, picking up the Golden Note Award for his entire career, but also getting the annual kudos that have regularly become his due on top of the lifetime achievement honor.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The distance the field has traveled since −and has yet to go − represents a remarkable and very American medical journey, characterized by big ideas, big risks, perserverence and issues of fairness and eye-popping prices.
    Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 3 May 2026
  • Krakauer survived a deadly ordeal on Everest—a high price to pay for a remarkable book.
    Dan Zak, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • Danish archaeologists recently uncovered a ship that was battered by the forces of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson — one of the most renowned naval commanders of his time.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • For the climbing crowd, Mount Rainier is renowned.
    Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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