Synonyms of prominent

prominent

adjective

ˈprä-mə-nənt 

1

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention

an attorney who occupies a prominent position in the town's social hierarchy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• noticeable
• commanding
• dramatic
• remarkable
• marked
• conspicuous
• impressive
• striking
• pronounced
• brilliant
• interesting
• outstanding
• visible
• showy
• flamboyant
• emphatic
• notable
• distinguished
• bold
• noisy
• noteworthy
• arresting
• recognizable
• loud
• catchy
• salient
• splashy
• eye-catching
• highlighted
• eminent
• discernible
• discernable
• glaring
• detectable
• perceptible
• kenspeckle
• grabby
• observable
• bodacious
• ornate
• fascinating
• swanky
• fancy
• spectacular
• extravagant
• flagrant
• gaudy
• glitzy
• tawdry
• flashy
• garish
• screaming
• spotlighted
• swank
• meretricious
• ostentatious
• pretentious
• jazzy
• opulent
• riveting
• absorbing
• enthralling
• overwrought
• florid
• engrossing
• hifalutin
• howling
• glittery
• overdone
• highfalutin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inconspicuous
• subtle
• unremarkable
• unobtrusive
• unnoticeable
• hidden
• obscure
• faint
• concealed
• insignificant
• shrouded
• unimportant
• dim
• unflamboyant
• unemphatic
• undistinguished
• modest
• unshowy
• conservative
• unaffected
• simple
• unassuming
• quiet
• plain
• unpretentious
• understated
• subdued
• restrained
• muted
• unflashy
• toned-down

2

as in famous

widely known

prominent figures in the history of sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

• famous
• famed
• celebrated
• renowned
• notorious
• distinguished
• visible
• noted
• infamous
• respected
• notable
• legendary
• well-known
• star
• important
• illustrious
• big-name
• outstanding
• remarkable
• leading
• noteworthy
• prestigious
• respectable
• great
• popular
• honorable
• eminent
• significant
• exceptional
• fabled
• fabulous
• reputable
• favorite
• recognized
• formidable
• preferred
• preeminent
• superior
• acknowledged
• estimable
• redoubtable
• supereminent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unknown
• obscure
• anonymous
• unsung
• unimportant
• insignificant
• nameless
• inconspicuous
• unfamous
• uncelebrated
• undistinguished
• unpopular
• unexceptional

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prominent

Right Now Joni Ernst Issued Warning After Democrats Flip Iowa Seat Obama has made a number of prominent interventions over the past few weeks, reflecting his position as one of the most nationally recognizable Democratic politicians. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom dwelling was commissioned in 1950 by Clifton Lewis, the wife of prominent local banker George Lewis II, while Wright was in the area designing Florida Southern College’s campus. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 29 Aug. 2025

There were investments and assumptions made back at the end of 2021, when two prominent coaches took two prominent jobs over the course of three days. —Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025

So far, the World Games 2025 is the most prominent global appearance for this hip hop dance form since the Paris Olympics in August 2024, at least in a sporting context. —Jason Pu, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025