striking

adjective

strik·​ing ˈstrī-kiŋ 

: attracting attention or notice through unusual or conspicuous qualities

a place of striking beauty

strikingly adverb

Synonyms

• arresting
• bodacious
• bold
• brilliant
• catchy
• commanding
• conspicuous
• dramatic
• emphatic
• eye-catching
• flamboyant
• grabby
• kenspeckle [chiefly Scottish]
• marked
• noisy
• noticeable
• prominent
• pronounced
• remarkable
• showy
• splashy

Choose the Right Synonym for striking

noticeable, remarkable, prominent, outstanding, conspicuous, salient, striking mean attracting notice or attention.

noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

prominent applies to something commanding notice by standing out from its surroundings or background.

a doctor who occupies a prominent position in the town

outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

striking applies to something that impresses itself powerfully and deeply upon the observer's mind or vision.

the region's striking poverty

Examples of striking in a Sentence

The poverty of the city is striking.

There is a striking resemblance between the girls.

an actress known for her striking good looks

Recent Examples on the Web

In an attempt to balance ticket prices and food, a striking trend has been emerging. —Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

The 26-room boutique spans three levels of the striking Torre Virreyes, a jutting showpiece of the skyline with views stretching into the Bosque de Chapultepec, the region’s largest urban park, once home of Aztec and Habsburg emperors. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025

And if that were to happen, this would place GDX within striking distance of its all-time highs from early 2011. —Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025

The standout was the Antarctique Tourbillon in a striking Glacier Blue color, which caught the eye with its cool, refined look. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing striking

• in striking contrast to/with
• stand in striking contrast to/with
• striking distance

Rhymes for striking

• biking
• diking
• hiking
• liking
• spiking
• viking
• disliking
• hitchhiking

Kids Definition

striking

adjective

strik·​ing

ˈstrī-kiŋ

: attracting attention : remarkable, impressive

a striking costume

a striking resemblance

strikingly adverb