striking 1 of 2

Definition of strikingnext
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striking

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verb

present participle of strike
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as in walking
to refuse to work in order to force an employer to meet demands the union is calling for its members to strike until the mining company agrees to meet safety standards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective striking differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of striking are conspicuous, noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, and salient. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

When is conspicuous a more appropriate choice than striking?

The meanings of conspicuous and striking largely overlap; however, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When would noticeable be a good substitute for striking?

The synonyms noticeable and striking are sometimes interchangeable, but noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

When could outstanding be used to replace striking?

While the synonyms outstanding and striking are close in meaning, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

When might prominent be a better fit than striking?

The words prominent and striking can be used in similar contexts, but 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 it sensible to use remarkable instead of striking?

In some situations, the words remarkable and striking are roughly equivalent. However, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

Where would salient be a reasonable alternative to striking?

The words salient and striking are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

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 striking
Adjective
The song comes with a striking visual where Teitelbaum finds herself in a beige hallway, desperately trying to keep an ice sculpture of a fawn from melting. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026 His most striking comments at this World Cup have not been about tactics or player selections, but about mindset. Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Verb
On Thursday, Fire Point displayed videos at its booth showing its drones striking Moscow's Kapotnya district oil refinery, mere hours after the attacks. Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 Europe’s defense industry is accelerating the development of a new long-range cruise missile capable of striking targets more than 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) away. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for striking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for striking
Adjective
  • Evolutionary cues, emotional encoding and genetics all converge in how partners experience each other’s smell, and a noticeable shift in that experience may be worth paying attention to.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 June 2026
  • After 12 weeks, the results suggested that a tiny dose of regular exercise could yield noticeable physical benefits.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • But what feels most haunting about the arc of then to now, about Smith’s unfathomable issues and woes — yet obvious heart and particularly evident quest to find himself in recent years — is that his words then were spoken with a sense of arrival and past tense.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
  • Look in the most obvious places first.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The right-hander issued a leadoff walk and hit a batter with a pitch before walking Carson Kelly with the bases loaded to force in the first run.
    CBS New York Team, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Lower Leg and Ankle Stretch Routine Your ankles and calves play a big role in balance, walking, and overall stability.
    RikkiLynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Britain's revolving door of prime minister, affecting both Labour and Conservative parties, accelerated in the wake of the 2016 Brexit vote to leave the European Union economic bloc.
    Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • The redesign is under consideration because the current plans would cut off access to the Jefferson Viaduct, affecting drivers coming from Oak Cliff.
    Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • He was swept away by the Snake River’s current while crossing a shallow section, and his body was recovered by the Ada County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team after a nearly six-hour search over two days.
    Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2026
  • Fresh off Scary Movie crossing the $200M mark globally with the biggest opening in franchise history, filmmaker Michael Tiddes has signed with WME for representation.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • In this case, safe meant a track big enough for two riders to race without bumping into each other.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • Hurd was seen fist-bumping another attacker moments after deputies intervened, Madden Ragland said.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Given the quick-hitting nature of the early morning showers, along with the very isolated nature of afternoon storms, not much rain is expected Friday.
    Alyssa Andrews, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • After slashing its Scope 3 carbon emissions by 20 percent from a 2019 baseline and hitting its target five years ahead of schedule, the Uniqlo parent company has raised the stakes, aiming for an additional 10 percent reduction by 2030.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • In return, Iran would allow international inspectors into enrichment sites and maintain its nuclear program status quo during negotiations, without dismantling facilities.
    Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Bonamici wants to impeach over McMahon's dismantling the Education Department.
    Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/striking. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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