Synonyms of salient

salient

adjective

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.

Related Words

• important
• major
• prominent
• noticeable
• distinguished
• bold
• striking
• conspicuous
• significant
• outstanding
• notable
• noteworthy
• remarkable
• highlighted
• commanding
• dramatic
• marked
• chief
• showy
• emphatic
• pronounced
• visible
• discernible
• discernable
• perceptible
• brilliant
• interesting
• recognizable
• flamboyant
• impressive
• observable
• eye-catching
• catchy
• arresting
• detectable
• kenspeckle
• noisy
• eminent
• grabby
• splashy
• bodacious
• fascinating
• riveting
• absorbing
• engrossing
• enthralling
• spotlighted

Dissimilar Words

• unimportant
• insignificant
• hidden
• subtle
• undistinguished
• concealed
• obscure
• shrouded
• faint
• dim
• inconspicuous
• unobtrusive
• unremarkable
• unnoticeable
• unemphatic
• unflamboyant
• unshowy

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of salient

This importance of the net player was salient when watching the eventual champions, doubles specialists Errani and Andrea Vavassori. —Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Creating incentives for stable two-parent families and disincentives for single-parent families will require some political courage, the lack of which is profoundly salient in Maryland. —Ellen Sauerbrey, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2025

Democrats need a much broader, much more salient anticorruption plan moving forward—one that is at the center of their platform rather than at the periphery. —Casey Michel, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2025

The most salient divide is between outsiders and insiders; the latter category includes figures such as Bondi and Bongino, who are in turn blaming each other for the mess. —Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 July 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!