SALIENT Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'salient' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of salient are conspicuous , noticeable , outstanding , prominent , remarkable , and striking . While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it. // the salient points of the speech

Q: When might 'conspicuous' be a better fit than 'salient'?

Although the words conspicuous and salient have much in common, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind. // conspicuous bureaucratic waste

Q: When can 'noticeable' be used instead of 'salient'?

While in some cases nearly identical to salient , noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation. // a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Q: When is it sensible to use 'outstanding' instead of 'salient'?

The words outstanding and salient can be used in similar contexts, but outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind. // honored for her outstanding contributions to science

Q: When would 'prominent' be a good substitute for 'salient'?

The meanings of prominent and salient largely overlap; however, prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background. // a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

Q: When is 'remarkable' a more appropriate choice than 'salient'?

While the synonyms remarkable and salient are close in meaning, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment. // a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

Q: In what contexts can 'striking' take the place of 'salient'?

The synonyms striking and salient are sometimes interchangeable, but striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision. // the region's striking poverty

salient

adjective

Definition of salient next

as in outstanding

formal standing out because of prominence or importance the salient facts The salient features of the product are detailed in the press release.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective salient differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of salient are conspicuous, noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When might conspicuous be a better fit than salient?

Although the words conspicuous and salient have much in common, conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

When can noticeable be used instead of salient?

While in some cases nearly identical to salient, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

When is it sensible to use outstanding instead of salient?

The words outstanding and salient can be used in similar contexts, but outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

When would prominent be a good substitute for salient?

The meanings of prominent and salient largely overlap; however, 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 remarkable a more appropriate choice than salient?

While the synonyms remarkable and salient are close in meaning, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

In what contexts can striking take the place of salient?

The synonyms striking and salient are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 salient Between the lines: Although Democrats have pushed back on the notion that the comment is a salient issue on the campaign trail, the backlash has been enough to force Harris to respond. —

Andrew Solender, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 Immigration is a very salient political issue in England, however, and the new Labour government has carried over their Conservative predecessors' pledge to reduce overall net migration. —

Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Despite being a less salient issue than in years past, education is still a big part of our politics. —

Jennifer Vilcarino, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2024 But the invective obscured a salient truth: many people were still unclear about where Harris stood on some of the central issues. —

Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for salient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for salient

Adjective

House Democrats initially planned to hold their leadership elections on Friday, but a handful of outstanding races prompted the caucus to reschedule the meeting.

Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 11 Nov. 2024
Exasperated Cowboys want explanation for no-call on 49ers’ key touchdown pass George Kittle — who was outstanding on Sunday, with a great scramble-drill touchdown catch — tried to spin the slop-fest as a positive.

Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024