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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 next lunar eclipse is around the corner, meaning some around the world will be privy to the uncommon phenomenon that turns the moon a striking red color. Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 During the argument, Martin grabbed a hammer from Lawson that Lawson had been using to repair a patio door and raised it above his head in a striking motion, Lawson said. Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
When tested in rats with cranial bone defects, the results were striking. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025 The Pattern Is Clear—And Costly The parallels are striking. David Zwick, Forbes.com, 8 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
  • For less obvious water damage, car owners might eventually smell mold or mildew.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • All of which raises an obvious question.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In 2020, James’ wife, Yesenia, and unborn daughter, Adalyn, were hit by a drunk driver while the family was out walking in Anaheim, as previously reported by NBC 4.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Hyper- and hypoglycemia cause symptoms affecting brain function, mood, and other body systems.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Curious to know how your self-awareness is affecting your relationships?
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But the Braves came back with three runs in the eighth on an RBI single from Matt Olson, a run-scoring triple from the hot-hitting Ozzie Albies and a single from Drake Baldwin.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 6 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

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Cite this Entry

“Striking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/striking. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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