SALIENT Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'salient' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of salient are conspicuous , noticeable , outstanding , prominent , remarkable , and striking . While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it. // the salient points of the speech

Q: When might 'conspicuous' be a better fit than 'salient'?

Although the words conspicuous and salient have much in common, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind. // conspicuous bureaucratic waste

Q: When can 'noticeable' be used instead of 'salient'?

While in some cases nearly identical to salient , noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation. // a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Q: When is it sensible to use 'outstanding' instead of 'salient'?

The words outstanding and salient can be used in similar contexts, but outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind. // honored for her outstanding contributions to science

Q: When would 'prominent' be a good substitute for 'salient'?

The meanings of prominent and salient largely overlap; however, prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background. // a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

Q: When is 'remarkable' a more appropriate choice than 'salient'?

While the synonyms remarkable and salient are close in meaning, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment. // a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

Q: In what contexts can 'striking' take the place of 'salient'?

The synonyms striking and salient are sometimes interchangeable, but striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision. // the region's striking poverty

salient

adjective

Definition of salient next

as in important

formal standing out because of prominence or importance the salient facts The salient features of the product are detailed in the press release.

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How does the adjective salient differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of salient are conspicuous, noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When might conspicuous be a better fit than salient?

Although the words conspicuous and salient have much in common, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When can noticeable be used instead of salient?

While in some cases nearly identical to salient, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

When is it sensible to use outstanding instead of salient?

The words outstanding and salient can be used in similar contexts, but outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

When would prominent be a good substitute for salient?

The meanings of prominent and salient largely overlap; however, 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 is remarkable a more appropriate choice than salient?

While the synonyms remarkable and salient are close in meaning, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

In what contexts can striking take the place of salient?

The synonyms striking and salient are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 salient Immigration at the crux Immigration policy will likely be one of the more salient issues in the 8th Congressional District race. —

John Aguilar, Denver Post, 23 Feb. 2026 Immigration enforcement has become a salient political issue in recent months, particularly in border states like Texas, where federal and state authorities frequently coordinate operations. —

Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026 The issue is salient enough that even local politicians like Mamdani, who have relatively little jurisdiction over higher-education policy, feel compelled to voice broad commitments to boosting university subsidies. —

Neetu Arnold, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026 But Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd cut to the most salient point of the night as he was asked about Peterson’s absence. —

Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for salient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient

Adjective

The team found a major levoglucosan peak centered around 1128 CE, coinciding with a similar peak recorded from the Schwarzboden mire peat core, another important reservoir of atmospheric history sampled about 12 miles southeast of Weißseespitze.

— Nidhi Sharma, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2026
An important clue came in 2010, when another team at Yale published a study of how ketamine affected the brain cells of rats.

— Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026