CONSPICUOUS Synonyms: 140 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of conspicuous are noticeable , outstanding , prominent , remarkable , salient , and striking . While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind. // conspicuous bureaucratic waste

Q: In what contexts can 'noticeable' take the place of 'conspicuous'?

The meanings of noticeable and conspicuous largely overlap; however, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation. // a piano recital with no noticeable errors

Q: When can 'outstanding' be used instead of 'conspicuous'?

Although the words outstanding and conspicuous have much in common, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind. // honored for her outstanding contributions to science

Q: Where would 'prominent' be a reasonable alternative to 'conspicuous'?

The words prominent and conspicuous 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

Q: When would 'remarkable' be a good substitute for 'conspicuous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to conspicuous , remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment. // a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

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

While the synonyms salient and conspicuous are close in meaning, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it. // the salient points of the speech

Q: When is 'striking' a more appropriate choice than 'conspicuous'?

The synonyms striking and conspicuous 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

conspicuous

adjective

kən-ˈspi-kyə-wəs

Definition of conspicuous next

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention the seven-foot-tall basketball player is conspicuous in any crowd

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in obvious

very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad conspicuous bureaucratic waste that drives taxpayers crazy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conspicuous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conspicuous are noticeable, outstanding, prominent, remarkable, salient, and striking. While all these words mean "attracting notice or attention," conspicuous applies to something that is obvious and unavoidable to the sight or mind.

conspicuous bureaucratic waste

In what contexts can noticeable take the place of conspicuous?

The meanings of noticeable and conspicuous largely overlap; however, noticeable applies to something unlikely to escape observation.

a piano recital with no noticeable errors

When can outstanding be used instead of conspicuous?

Although the words outstanding and conspicuous have much in common, outstanding applies to something that rises above and excels others of the same kind.

honored for her outstanding contributions to science

Where would prominent be a reasonable alternative to conspicuous?

The words prominent and conspicuous 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 would remarkable be a good substitute for conspicuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to conspicuous, remarkable applies to something so extraordinary or exceptional as to invite comment.

a film of remarkable intelligence and wit

When might salient be a better fit than conspicuous?

While the synonyms salient and conspicuous are close in meaning, salient applies to something of significance that merits the attention given it.

the salient points of the speech

When is striking a more appropriate choice than conspicuous?

The synonyms striking and conspicuous 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

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 conspicuous Not since the Gilded Age of the late 19th century has such vast wealth turned itself into such conspicuous displays of political power. —

Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 20 Jan. 2025 And yet Danielle is currently playing The Traitors so poorly — making big, sloppy, conspicuous moves, alienating potential allies, and fancying herself an Oscar-winning actress while displaying community-center theatrics — that even scene-stealing ignoramus Tom Sandoval has taken notice. —

Joe Reid, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 Pressly is guaranteed $14 million this season, a conspicuous number for the Astros, given the presence of All-Star closer Josh Hader. —

Sahadev Sharma, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Mehta, an Obama appointee, imposed the location restrictions after Rhodes made a conspicuous return to the Capitol on Wednesday and, according to the Hill, met with Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). —

Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conspicuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for conspicuous

Adjective

Dehydrated skin can make fine lines more noticeable.

— Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
The penalty tilt has noticeable in the past 12 Kansas City postseason games as Chiefs opponents have been flagged more 11 times, with one tie.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025