striking 1 of 2

1
2

striking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of strike
1
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

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

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
Organizers of Farm Aid 40 have confirmed that this year’s festival will proceed as planned at the University of Minnesota, following a resolution between the university’s administration and striking workers. Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 13 Sep. 2025 Visitors will find themselves with jaws agape at the striking jagged mountain peaks, looming glaciers, and slick icebergs, all set to the backdrop of moody, misty weather—this is a photographer’s dream adventure. Stefanie Waldek, AFAR Media, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
On the makeup side, Gilbert Soliz for MAC kept things striking yet sophisticated. Essence, 14 Sep. 2025 Films of striking social relevance that never fall to polemic or sensationalism, but instead so trustingly fulfill their characters’ plight and courage. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for striking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for striking
Adjective
  • Why Local Marketing Is Gaining Ground Again In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in how small and midsized businesses (SMBs) approach marketing.
    Ashot Barseghyan, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Particularly noticeable is Cavagnari’s eye for mixing midcentury modern furnishings, vintage lighting from Morocco, and older pieces that carry a story with them, such as a portable writing desk and a chair that folds into its own leather steamer trunk.
    Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And a soft implant can be the best option to avoid an obvious edge.
    Megan McIntyre, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • That’s because your liver won’t give you obvious clues that say there’s a MASH up going there.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Carry This entails holding weight while walking, which helps to improve posture and stability, strengthens grip, and works the shoulders, upper back, core and hips.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • However, that is reportedly affecting the relationship between King Charles and Prince William.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Sep. 2025
  • However, an anonymous former OLCA employee said the department is experiencing significant cuts, potentially affecting how well the agency can help Congress identify Social Security problems in certain areas.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The job cuts are permanent, and employees will not have bumping rights to other positions.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Few love it as much when leveling the playing field means bumping them down a few notches.
    John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Smith stretched as far as his body would allow, inadvertently hitting the splits in the process.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Harvard has already begun dismantling its DEI infrastructure.
    Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • On the left were environmentalists who wanted to leave carbon in the ground; on the right, MAGA nationalists who were dismantling wind farms and carrying out mass deportations.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While Qataris may now indeed question the value of their military cooperation with the United States and its designation of Qatar as a major non-NATO ally, Turkey’s military presence in the country also failed to prevent Israel from attacking.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Show Viz Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest had counter-attacking licked.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/striking. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on striking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!