Definition of prominentnext
1
2

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 late 1970s chefs from prominent restaurants in Armenia traveled to international culinary exhibitions in France, Greece and some Arab countries and adopted innovative techniques. Ani Duzdabanyan, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 One prominent banker threw himself to his death from a high floor. John Cassidy, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 The 5th edition of SIFF YOUNG has evolved into a prominent incubator for commercial Chinese-language cinema; hit filmmaker Wen Muye, a 2023 program alumnus, returns this year to chair its Final Recommendation Committee. Marcus Lim, Variety, 15 June 2026 Now, that partnership, which reportedly includes prominent Miami developers Russell Galbut and the Related Group, is pushing back on the idea of a legal fight over property that Miami-Dade could have bought but didn’t. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prominent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • The first slowdowns and real noticeable uptick in traffic came on I-95 south.
    Mike Sullivan, CBS News, 16 June 2026
  • Warm weather can make the surge even more noticeable.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • Water rushed up near the famous Crystal Cove cottages and near the Beachcomber Cafe Restaurant.
    Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 18 June 2026
  • Other famous faces to grace the royal procession in the past include Dame Helen Mirren in 2008 and 2018, David Beckham in 2018, Demi Moore in 2019 and 2023, and Elizabeth Hurley in 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2024.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Or perhaps the Black policemen, who often watched the house without their white commanding officer, secretly sympathized with the uprising.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
  • Moments after the Knicks completed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history in Game 4 — erasing a 29-point deficit to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs — Stiller burst through the postgame interview room doors like the Kool-Aid Man.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Fans were continuing to gear up for a week of celebrations that will culminate with a ticker-tape parade down the famed Canyon of Heroes in Manhattan on Thursday morning.
    Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • Gallagher and Blake Nelson spoke with Variety on the ground about the relevance of telling the story of the famed cult amidst growing political tensions worldwide.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Cowboys went with a more aesthetically pleasing tint on the windows, which does have a dramatic effect on the natural sun inside the stadium.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026
  • The four dramatic crashes happening so close together has raised concerns, but experts say there is no sign of any connection between the very different accidents.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Every state in the union produces wine, but the country’s most celebrated wine regions—from Napa Valley and Sonoma to Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Washington State’s Walla Walla—have helped establish the United States as one of the world's leading wine-producing nations.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • Christian Okoye—The most celebrated athlete in Azusa Pacific history.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Gel Alpha has a remarkable ability to spot toxic behavior that should not be normalized.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 14 June 2026
  • White evangelical churches—revivalists, under Sutton’s classification system—experienced remarkable growth, while liberal mainline Protestant churches withered.
    Michael Luo, New Yorker, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • The car’s aesthetic modifications reflect the vision of renowned automotive creative Ian Callum, head designer for Evoluto Automobili Limited.
    Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
  • Further reflecting the growing engagement between Arab and Asian cinema at an institutional level is the presence of renowned Tunisian producer Dora Bouchoucha on the Golden Goblet jury, Chakra notes.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 17 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prominent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster