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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective prominent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of prominent are conspicuous, noticeable, outstanding, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," 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 might conspicuous be a better fit than prominent?

The words conspicuous and prominent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When can noticeable be used instead of prominent?

The words noticeable and prominent can be used in similar contexts, but noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Where would outstanding be a reasonable alternative to prominent?

The meanings of outstanding and prominent largely overlap; however, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

In what contexts can remarkable take the place of prominent?

The synonyms remarkable and prominent are sometimes interchangeable, but remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When is it sensible to use salient instead of prominent?

In some situations, the words salient and prominent are roughly equivalent. However, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When could striking be used to replace prominent?

Although the words striking and prominent have much in common, striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Examples 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 prominent Some prominent figures, including Vice-President-elect J. D. Vance, have argued that the United States needs to step back from Europe to deal with China. Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024 Among the prominent voices in the filmmaking community who have advocated on Eastwood’s behalf is Guillermo del Toro, who recently took to rising social platform Blue Sky to discuss his experience with the film. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 This area, known for record-breaking sales, has been home to some of Southern California’s most distinguished estates and prominent residents, including the Gates family. News Release, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024 Sporting event marketing is getting to be more prominent in Cisco’s portfolio. Megan Poinski, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prominent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • Related Articles There are some minor and barely noticeable physical improvements over previous models, such as a slightly less prominent camera bump in the back.
    Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Other experiments are less noticeable but nonetheless consequential: by increasing early voting, for example, states have observed changes in who participates in elections, including those previously left out of the process.
    Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Ballon Bleu is easily recognizable thanks to its signature blue sapphire cabochon crown within a protective metal arch and those famous Cartier Roman numerals.
    Sophie Furley, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
  • The beers that made Texas famous The consumption of beer can be traced back to the earliest days of the Texas Republic.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In District 10, which Mahan represented before becoming mayor, George Casey has defeated incumbent Arjun Batra after jumping out to a commanding lead and winning 57.8% of the vote in his district, according to Friday evening’s vote tally by the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.
    Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Gallego took a commanding early lead over Lake in the initial results.
    Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 8 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Fowlerville Community Theater drew direct parallels between the play — adapted from the famed diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl killed by Nazis in the Holocaust — and the events of Saturday night.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • In the upcoming adaptation of the famed Broadway musical, Bailey plays Fiyero, the love interest of Elphaba (Erivo).
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Listen to this article The Broncos’ special teams have seen a dramatic turnaround since Sean Payton hired Ben Kotwica before the 2023 season.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Its dramatic decline comes amid broader concerns over the company’s financial stability, recent privacy breaches, and a leadership shake-up.
    Bruce Gil, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • While the four-door pickup in the image faithfully resembles the celebrated 4x4 from the UK, Osprey Custom Cars assembled this vehicle in Wilmington, North Carolina.
    Michael Harley, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The celebrated chef debuted on Tuesday the steakhouse La Tête d’Or in the Flatiron District of Manhattan.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Our manager, known for her remarkable emotional intelligence, recognized the team's growing anxiety.
    Michael Shribman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Guardiola has won a remarkable 18 trophies – including a historic treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 2023 – during his tenure, overseeing the club’s transition from wealthy challenger to part of soccer’s elite.
    Jamie Barton, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • These cities host globally renowned fashion schools, attract billions in investment, and maintain robust logistics networks that support their status as style epicenters.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Designed by renowned architects like C. Howard Crane & Associates; Verner, Wilhelm & Molby; William H. Kuni; Clarence E. Day, and Richard Marr, each residence offers a glimpse into the artistry and design of Detroit’s historic Palmer Woods neighborhood.
    Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near prominent

Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on prominent

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