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 In the small-screen version, Yara Sabri, a prominent actor who left the country for years due to her opposition to the autocratic government, appears as the mother of a troubled young man from a rural village who will become a major player in the country's oppressive security apparatus. ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026 A number of other prominent people have left their jobs after their correspondence with Epstein was released by the DOJ. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026 The Air Jordan 6 is taking a more prominent position in 2026 for its 25th anniversary, as last month’s Salesman release set the table for many more colorways to come through the year. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 23 Feb. 2026 During the 19th century, Douglass was America’s most gifted and prominent civil rights speaker, writer and statesman. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • That’s in large part due to the Eagles’ noticeable step backward following their Super Bowl-winning season in 2024.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
  • While London retains its energy, there is a noticeable shift in focus toward craft, quality, and, ultimately, wearability.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Mandela had been freed from prison three years earlier and was arguably the most famous person in the world at that time.
    Rick Davis, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Aylesbury is known for its famous ducks!
    Christina Grace Tucker, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In an indictment Thursday, federal prosecutors said Kevin Taylor attempted to steer an $11 million contract toward the company, SaferWatch, while serving as the commanding officer of the department's School Safety Division.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The President demoted Greg Bovino, the commanding agent in charge of the roving patrols that have besieged Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • First, famed filmmaker James Cameron endorsed Paramount, saying a Netflix takeover would lead to massive job losses in the entertainment industry, which is already reeling from a production slowdown in Southern California that has disrupted the lives of thousands of film industry workers.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Eventually, the masses voted for Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, a nephew of the famed emperor, in a landslide.
    Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In contrast, many of today's female contestants have Botox-smooth foreheads, clear, dewy skin, dramatic brows and lashes, and sparkling white smiles.
    Erika W. Smith, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Jean-Luc Godard used nonprofessionals to rend the dramatic fabric and expose the artifices of performance.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Rankin is a celebrated visual artist whose works take pride of place in both public and private collections around the world; Brett is a novelist, poet, and essayist whose writing has been widely published.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026
  • But Burger King fans shouldn't worry—the updates won't fundamentally change the chain's most celebrated sandwich.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Nature protects history and human life Inside the remarkable medieval settlement, archaeologists found moats, remains of buildings, and artifacts, 244 to be exact, including 66 knives, sickles, iron coulters, arrowheads, spearheads, and personal accessories were identified, as per Heritage Daily.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The product has had a remarkable uptake.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The bathroom is equipped with eco-friendly, full-sized amenities from renowned European brand Byredo, which implements Hilton Group's ESG strategy of ‘Travel with Purpose’.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Keynote speakers this year include renowned Glaswegian writer-director Lynne Ramsay, who will lead an In Conversation event during the strand, while Melissa Hardinge, Senior Commissioning Editor for BBC Children’s 7 to 12, will give an opening address.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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