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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
During the fall, an assortment of oranges, yellows, golds, greens, and browns set a rather striking scene for those driving the famed byway. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025 For now, Figure 03 remains a striking symbol of progress and a reminder that the leap from lab to living room is not quite complete. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
The longer the period of the comet or asteroid, the faster its meteors move when striking Earth. Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025 The design is a perfect fit for Edebiri, striking the right balance between Old Hollywood glamour and New Hollywood innovation. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for striking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for striking
Adjective
  • Private aviation also saw a noticeable bump there in 2022 as a result of wealthy buyers looking to avoid public transportation.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Aldi's Thanksgiving meal bundle this year feeds ten people for just $40, a noticeable markdown from last year's deal.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The triggers for a crash likewise do not generally follow any obvious logic.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Roem and other critics of data center growth see a few obvious goals in Virginia if Spanberger wins — though the would-be governor has not climbed on board with all of them.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The duo ended up walking away from the group and a record deal to create KISS.
    Jacqueline Weiss, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • That's the hardest part, is walking away from all those young men in that locker room — the recruits that were committed to us.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Economic anxiety is also affecting perceptions of job security.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Based on the Peter Straub novel of the same name, John Irvin's chilly and affecting Ghost Story is cloaked in snow, leather, and firelight.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Chiefs were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles—at one point, the score was 34–0—and Kelce was spotted on the sidelines screaming at and bumping the Chiefs’ coach, Andy Reid.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Some other popular institutions also have extended hours on certain days year-round, which allows visitors to enjoy world-class artworks without bumping elbows with others.
    Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Kurt's key takeaways Tesla's dream of a fully autonomous future keeps hitting speed bumps.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As arena employees started dismantling the balloon columns decorating the venue and turning hordes of mostly female fans away, there was a frenzy of frustrated tweeting and lots of tears.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025
  • An additional 62 canisters rest horizontally nearby — 50 of them filled with fuel assemblies from the time the facility generated power and another 12 containing radioactive debris from dismantling the plant.
    Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In 2019-20 and 2020-21, just six per cent of throw-ins from the attacking third were sent into the penalty area.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • And, while large-scale armies were attacking one another with a vast arsenal of technological advancements, De Stijl architects and theorists were observing great opportunities for a better world based on this massive scale and these new technologies.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/striking. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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