STRIKING Synonyms: 468 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

striking 1 of 2

adjective

ˈstrī-kiŋ

Definition of striking next

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention you'd be amazed what a striking difference new wallpaper can make in a room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad several striking contradictions in her argument

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

striking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of strike

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

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as in affecting

to act upon (a person or a person's feelings) so as to cause a response we were struck by the willingness of total strangers to go out of their way to help us

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in occurring (to)

to enter the mind of it struck her later that no one at the bank had asked for identification

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in bumping

to come into usually forceful contact with something the thump of hailstones striking the cars in the parking lot

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as in hitting

to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner the driver of the car behind me applied his brakes too late and struck my car from the rear

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as in dismantling

to take apart the stagehands struck the sets the morning after the play closed

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as in attacking

to take sudden, violent action against a rattlesnake strikes its prey with lightning speed

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as in possessing

to cast a spell on the only way that she's going to get a man is if she strikes one

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blessing

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

And one of the most striking findings comes from a pantry staple most people haven’t thought about since childhood. —

Allison Palmer updated June 3, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 The loss was particularly striking because Feenstra had long been viewed as the race’s front-runner. —

Nik Popli, Time, 3 June 2026

Verb

The black-and-white soirée showcased striking runway moments as seniors, wearing gorgeous white dresses, walked arm-in-arm with their fathers in a moving father-daughter presentation. —

News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026 What is also striking about this period beyond the remarkably swift achievements for Black people living under French rule, however, is the fragility of the nature of progress. —

Jeremy D. Popkin, The Conversation, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for striking

Recent Examples of Synonyms for striking

Adjective

This is particularly noticeable in the ballroom area, which hosts weekly wedding events, as well as other social and business functions.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
But let’s get back to that extraordinary customizable dashboard, one of the most noticeable features.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 June 2026