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 striking look, which models wore in tones of white, pink, and violet, was a sweet nod to one of Anderson’s predecessors, John Galliano. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026 In 2012, the then-Princess Mary purchased a striking Edwardian collection of jewelry from the Bruun Rasmussen auction house. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
At his hearing, Ayala denied striking Wilson. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026 As Harris was in the kitchen, a bullet ripped through the open window, fatally striking her. Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for striking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for striking
Adjective
  • That contrast is becoming more noticeable as their professional paths diverge.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
  • But there’s been a noticeable uptick in the team’s willingness to hit their blue-collar big man on rolls to the rim, which is opening an underutilized dimension of an offense that stagnated in the weeks leading up to their back-to-back wins over the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The Heat are muddling along with a roster that isn’t good enough to do anything of significance, have no young player with obvious star upside, can’t create significant cap room for at least two more years and owe a future pick to the Hornets from the disastrous Terry Rozier trade.
    Nick Friedell, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
  • There is no obvious sign any of the officers were injured.
    Jude Joffe-Block, NPR, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River showcase some of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, while South Luangwa National Park is renowned for its walking safaris and night drives.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The publication process, on the other hand, is like walking around a carnival.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • University officials tried to reassure the campus that the impacts of the new policy would be minimal, affecting only a small portion of the classes being offered and that class cancellations wouldn’t create any obstacles preventing students from staying on course to graduate.
    Juan A. Lozano, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The couple say the constant anxiety and weeks indoors have taken a toll, affecting their sleep and their health.
    Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Jascoco The cows stampeded into a neighborhood, knocking over mailboxes, trampling fences, and bumping into cars as they were being chased.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Video footage of the race showed the animals hopping into the road, seemingly out of nowhere, and bumping into several cyclists.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Gold extended its relentless rally on Thursday, crossing past $5,500 per ounce and hitting another record high.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
  • After Read discovered him dead in his former colleague's front yard, she was subsequently accused of hitting him with her SUV, sparking not one, but two lengthy and high-profile trials.
    Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The deaths also come as Mamdani reversed Mayor Adams’ effort to remove homeless people from the streets by dismantling homeless encampments.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Trump’s dismantling of legal and diplomatic norms follows the same pattern.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The president also shared clips of the video on his Truth Social handle, along with posts mocking and attacking Pretti.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Stay focused on the issue, rather than attacking the other person’s character.
    Molly Burrets, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/striking. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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