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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 Regalado champions proposal The unorthodox proposal, drawn up by a prize-winning Miami planning firm, paid for by a prominent Miami developer and backed by Key Biscayne residents and public officials, has been embraced in hard-charging fashion by Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 23 May 2025 The annual conference is the industry’s most prominent venue to show off its new products. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025 One of her most ridiculous theories stated that space lasers operated by a prominent Jewish banking family might be responsible for wildfires in California. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025 They’re now expanded as a ten-piece band, with a prominent string section. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • Last year, there were multiple reports and videos of noticeable early exits at various Trump events.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
  • The chirping is hardly noticeable at a nearby pizza restaurant with the doors closed.
    Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Inclusive dining options do not include the hotel’s most famous eatery, high-end Oscar’s Steakhouse, by former Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • For the last 26 years, the world’s most famous arena has been hollow in June.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • There were the three thrilling games for the Florida Panthers against the Carolina Hurricanes in this Eastern Conference final, too, so full of drama and nastiness and easy wins to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • The Thunder will take a commanding 3-1 lead to their home court on Wednesday when the series shifts back to Oklahoma City.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The famed Michelin Red Guide is coming to Philadelphia, and inspectors are already scouting local restaurants to award the famed Michelin star.
    Tulasi Srinivas, The Conversation, 3 June 2025
  • Sugar Mill Tucked into the mountainside that starts just meters from the sand, Half Moon's famed Sugar Mill is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the Caribbean.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Lowenstein examines how excessive leverage, overconfidence in mathematical models, and market forces beyond the fund's control led to one of the most dramatic financial failures in modern history.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Sirens’s ending is a solid reminder that, sometimes, the most dramatic stories can also be the most realistic.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps not coincidentally, Chloe has grown up to be a celebrated journalist and activist, while Nikki is a recovering addict whose son has been raised by Chloe.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 May 2025
  • The celebrated rapper, wearing a black leather jacket over a white T-shirt, drew a crowd of spectators in the rain outside the courthouse.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • All of this makes McDonald’s dominance even more remarkable; at a time when theater seems like it’s being consumed by celebrity, her career represents a commitment to the old-fashioned principles of artistry.
    Charlotte Alter, Time, 28 May 2025
  • The seemingly impossible trek took a remarkable 28 hours to complete.
    Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jacques Pépin: The renowned chef and cookbook author shares stories from his life and kitchen.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
  • The Saint James pop-up at Printemps New York (One Wall Street, NYC) is open to the public for a limited one-month run, offering an introduction to the renowned Normandy craftsmanship with no passport required.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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