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
Hunza Valley is known for its striking landscapes, turquoise lakes and rich cultural heritage. Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 At the China premiere of the film on July 30, the actress delivered one of her boldest, most theatrical sartorial moments yet in a striking Louis Vuitton gown that was more chainmail than goddess-coded. Meg Walters, InStyle, 31 July 2026
Verb
Crosby is accused of hitting one of the children in the face, causing a bloody lip and head pain, before striking a second child in the stomach, according to the affidavit. James Cirrone , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 In addition, Kofane is quick and mobile, happy to run the channels and press from the front, while the variety of finishes on show from his first season in the Bundesliga shows that there is an eye for goal and ball-striking technique to hone. Thom Harris, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for striking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for striking
Adjective
  • Although the moon’s dark umbral shadow will miss North America, millions of people will still see the moon take a noticeable bite out of the sun.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Sodium-ion chemistry also performs well in cold weather, where conventional lithium-ion batteries often experience noticeable reductions in charging speed and driving range.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Areas where forecasts consistently predict clear skies — or persistent cloud — will become increasingly obvious as eclipse day approaches.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The choice of Bailey as the newest Giorgio Armani global fragrance ambassador was obvious.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • People can avoid small car trips to the coffee shop, dry cleaners or restaurants by walking or riding the bus or rail line.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Many older adults are staying active through walking, jogging or taking yoga and exercise classes.
    Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But as a result, HOAs have considerable environmental policy power, affecting how entire neighborhoods use water, generate energy, provide wildlife habitat and respond to climate change.
    Daniel Kramer, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026
  • According to the Toronto Sun, Hylands was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow, in October 2021.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The proposal stated that military or civilian cargo linked to Israeli vessels and other entities deemed to have damaged Iran would be banned from crossing until paying compensation.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The path of totality — in which the moon completely covers the sun — begins over the Arctic Ocean, before crossing eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Traveling down conveyor belts, bumping around on baggage carts and in cargo holds, suitcases quickly pick up scuffs that can be hard to remove.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 July 2026
  • And for everyone in the F1 paddock, there is now additional clarity on plans for the second half of the season heading into the summer break, while bumping the calendar back up to a provisional 23 races.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • The 27-year-old Adell has 16 homers and 62 RBIs this season, one year after hitting a career-best 37 homers with 98 RBIs.
    David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Across Europe, other historic objects have also been revealed this summer due to the record-breaking heat and crippling droughts hitting the continent’s waterways.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Few, however, believe in dismantling and remaking the entire research system under a radically different set of principles.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of dismantling debris, the mission aims to capture PROBA-1 with as little initial damage as possible, then guide it to destruction in Earth's atmosphere.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/striking. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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