salient

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

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 So a political issue has to be pretty salient to be top of mind on both coasts. Jack Butler, National Review, 24 June 2025 The film, which premiered at Tribeca, is an informative and emotionally potent take on a politically salient issue. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025 Still, the show does indeed deal with salient issues of aging, caregiving, and the importance of both listening to oldsters and passing on your truths to the next generation. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2025 But that possibility doesn’t mean the fight for disabled dignity—the fight for dignity of all kinds—is any less salient. John Hendrickson, The Atlantic, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for salient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient
Adjective
  • Another important preventative measure athletes can take is preparing for life after sport.
    Brook Choulet, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Other regional universities — Illinois (UIUC), Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State and Purdue — also do important fusion research.
    Kathleen Gallagher, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • That announcement largely cleared the field of major potential challengers to Rogers.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • In 1947: President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act 1947, a major piece of legislation that restructured many of the country’s military and intelligence institutions.
    AZCentral.com, AZCentral.com, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • In March 2019, authorities arrested and charged more than 50 people, including coaches, test administrators, prominent CEOs, and the Hollywood stars.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
  • Estonia is widely considered a prominent tech hub in Europe.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some people find that getting a tan makes their acne less noticeable, but these effects are temporary.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 15 July 2025
  • In a post, the user shared their frustration with a photo of their white car displaying noticeable scratches.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The organizers of the 2024 Games in Paris allowed some of that city’s most distinguished landmarks to be utilized as part of the spectacle.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2025
  • In June, Adam Sadovsky, with nearly 18 years of experience at Google, most recently as a distinguished software engineer and senior director at DeepMind, decamped to Microsoft.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Salient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salient. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on salient

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