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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 Something obvious was missing, easily conspicuous by the absence. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025 The images are another apt reminder that many Middle Eastern countries are fairly discreet about their ballistic missile arsenals, with some conspicuous exceptions. Paul Iddon, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 In their new study, the SETI Institute astronomers focused on the remote detection of nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, a conspicuous by-product of fossil-fuel burning. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2025 There’s one very good suspense sequence and snippets of accompanying tension, but overall there’s no momentum to the mystery and the lack of interesting character arcs is conspicuous. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conspicuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conspicuous
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Some of them, like the new experimental version of 2.5 Pro, are beginning to show noticeable vibe improvements.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Entertainment Fans of the show on social media seem to be missing a lot of crucial character development, and there’s an obvious explanation why.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In its wildest moments, Coogler’s film seems like a collision of Lovecraft Country with True Blood, though more obvious comparisons will likely be drawn to From Dusk Till Dawn.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • These events included small, private dinners with prominent celebrities in the entertainment industry.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Tesla was already struggling in recent months in connection with Musk’s prominent role in the administration.
    Julia Shapero, The Hill, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s next: After the blatant inconsistencies in the Israeli account were revealed, the military seemed to move more quickly than usual to address the issue.
    Natasha Frost, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • One blatant obstacle: enterprise leaders are often cautious in welcoming technology.
    Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.D., Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since launching his campaign in March, Cuomo has taken a commanding lead in the polls and siphoned some of Adams’s old political coalition.
    David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Big Cat still holds a commanding lead in career earnings at $120,999,166.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For now, though, the most glaring question mark is at left guard.
    Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • In some years, the misalignment is even more glaring: In 2023, 7.9 percent of people who filled out the survey self-declared as vegan or vegetarian, but only 1.8 percent actually ate that way consistently.
    Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Thank you to all the remarkable health care workers, who take our lives in your hands.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But when the Champions League anthem played, Spurs were separated from their domestic selves and now capable of remarkable feats.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The move marks a dramatic shift from Trump’s earlier hardline stance.
    Esat Dedezade, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Donald Trump’s tariff announcement has baffled global leaders and forced markets to reckon with the fallout from America’s dramatic shift in international trade policy.
    The Editors, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conspicuous. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on conspicuous

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