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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
Her songs—influenced by rock, punk, and reggae—are striking and confident and cathartic, but unconventional in ways that challenge the casual listener. Amy Weiss-Meyer, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025 There’s a striking indoor bar, but the main draw, aside from the cocktails, is the outdoor terrace, lined with greenery, which offers views of the surrounding neighborhood. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
The parallels to Bush’s 1988 choice were striking. Time, 3 Nov. 2025 For now, though, the optics—and the irony— are striking. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for striking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for striking
Adjective
  • Similarly, the depth of the pile doesn’t rebound if furniture is moved, which can be noticeable for a period of time.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Just as Mamdani aims to improve the lives of young people more broadly, those working under him could see a noticeable shift in how the workplace is run.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • One obvious reason for my interest in the movie, then, was that Walter Matthau reminded me, a little bit, of my father.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • There are good pieces in place, but replacing or re-signing Bregman seems to be an obvious offseason priority, and another impact starter would certainly help.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Running back Waymond Jordan, who is out due to an ankle injury, was seen walking on the sideline just before kickoff and celebrated with the team on the sidelines when Jayden Maiava connected with Makai Lemon for the first touchdown of the evening.
    Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This move highlights vulnerabilities in the technology supply chain, affecting automakers like Honda, which halted production at a Mexican factory.
    Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Another key finding of the study was that nearly all populations reached record levels of homelessness, affecting families with children, individuals, people staying in unsheltered or sheltered locations, and unaccompanied youth.
    Sophia Arndt, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Kylie's debut dethroned Joe Rogan, bumping The Joe Rogan Experience down to the second spot.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Our team noted whether the vacuums were able to navigate around the house without bumping into furniture or getting caught on area rugs.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 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, 9 Nov. 2025
  • After an incompletion on third down, McCashland’s 25-yard field goal attempt was no good, hitting the right upright with 17 seconds remaining in the half.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The Court’s dismantling of Reconstruction was orchestrated by John Archibald Campbell, a white attorney and former Supreme Court Justice who had voted with the majority in Dred Scott.
    Equal Justice Initiative, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Now, rather than dismantling the exhibit, the penthouse is being offered for sale with all of the works included.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, Germany has rediscovered its attacking rhythm and pressing intensity, signaling a potential return to the elite.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement has angered many Americans by wearing masks while on duty, attacking peaceful protesters and arresting mostly people with no criminal record.
    Tom Roland, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/striking. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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