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 Rodriguez will continue to play a prominent role in the ownership group, working side by side with Stad on the day-to-day leadership of the Wolves and Lynx. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Why prominent officials have often gravitated toward an economic sales pitch for the downtown stadium — one that can be debunked with evidence — is confounding. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026 The club has roughly 350 members and has historically attracted doctors, attorneys, financiers, real-estate developers, entrepreneurs and other prominent South Florida figures. Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 The debate over women’s sports has become a prominent part of Paxton’s record as attorney general. Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • The blazing speed around the end is especially noticeable for a team that has lacked that flash in past seasons — and also was miserable on third downs during last year’s disappointing 6-11 campaign.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • One of the most noticeable things about The Complete Carebrush is the long teeth that are alternately spaced, creating a scalp massage and helping hair to move through the brush without friction.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Celebrity has always been commercial, and famous people have always converted attention into money.
    Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • These waves destroyed a large section of the famous Santa Monica Pier and caused widespread coastal flooding in San Francisco Bay communities.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Arendt comes most fully alive, though, when Meyer lets her own extravagant, commanding voice carry the story forward.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The product was originally slated to launch in 2025, but brand founder and famed makeup artist Gucci Westman put the kibosh on that plan.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The launch marks the first time the famed medical spa (also one of the world’s best) is bringing its renowned treatments to the sea.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Yellow median posts block the kind of dramatic U-turn Knight took after the shooting, driving furiously back toward The Strip as blood trickled down his face.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • To learn how a memory that can last for years can sit on hardware that shifts every few days, Tanaka’s team made the shift a bit more dramatic.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The leveling of Veterans Stadium closes a celebrated chapter of Long Beach history.
    Kate Raphael, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Sadequain, the celebrated Pakistani modernist whose paintings have fetched six figures, provides a useful warning.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • With the remarkable rise in online food delivery, many restaurants struggle to balance service and food prep for diners in their establishments while also preparing staging and queuing delivery for takeout orders.
    George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sean and Ray have earned a remarkable reputation for championing distinctive filmmakers and original ideas.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In it, Leó, a renowned geriatrician specialized in Alzheimer’s disease, develops an unconventional friendship with Ásdís, a psychiatrist who’s returned to Iceland to care for her ailing grandmother.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The recovery ended a search that began on July 31 after the expedition, led by renowned climber Nirmal Purja, was swept away by an avalanche on Broad Peak.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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