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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

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 prominent The white port wine influence is prominent on the palate, with flavors of ripe fig, golden raisins, and berries complemented by sweet toffee, caramel, and hints of spice from the rye. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Those companies sued the bejesus out of prominent election deniers, including Fox News (which settled with Dominion for just under $800 million), Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, Trump sorta-lawyer-but-now-disbarred Rudy Giuliani and that dude who sells pillows. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 But some prominent Republicans are also distancing themselves from the state party's tactics. Melissa Santos, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 The post does not elaborate on the reasons for the X exodus but the political leanings of CEO Elon Musk, one of the most prominent supporters of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, are likely a factor. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prominent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent
Adjective
  • Related Articles There are some minor and barely noticeable physical improvements over previous models, such as a slightly less prominent camera bump in the back.
    Larry Magid, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Other experiments are less noticeable but nonetheless consequential: by increasing early voting, for example, states have observed changes in who participates in elections, including those previously left out of the process.
    Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • That same soil is what lends poblano chiles—traditionally from Puebla—the peppery flavor that characterizes the most famous local dish, chiles en nogada, says Zach Rabinor, founder of the luxury travel outfit Journey Mexico.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Rocio Fabbro takes a look at what the world’s most famous investor might do with all that cash.
    Peter Green, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The latest election results from Morgan Hill show incumbent mayor Mark Turner holding a commanding lead — 20 percentage points — over Yvonne Martínez Beltrán, while Miriam Vega and Soraida Iwanaga are set to take the two vacant city council seats.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • With partial results, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter had tallied about 56% of the vote, gaining a commanding lead over his Republican challenger, insurance executive Nik Gjonaj, who had 44%, with about a third of the precincts counted.
    Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Fowlerville Community Theater drew direct parallels between the play — adapted from the famed diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl killed by Nazis in the Holocaust — and the events of Saturday night.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
  • In the upcoming adaptation of the famed Broadway musical, Bailey plays Fiyero, the love interest of Elphaba (Erivo).
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Listen to this article The Broncos’ special teams have seen a dramatic turnaround since Sean Payton hired Ben Kotwica before the 2023 season.
    Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Its dramatic decline comes amid broader concerns over the company’s financial stability, recent privacy breaches, and a leadership shake-up.
    Bruce Gil, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • By way of background, Nvidia is the largest, most celebrated of the Magnificent Seven, and has a market capitalization just shy of $4 trillion?
    Joel Shulman, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • One of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, Napa Valley is brimming with the passion and artistry of winemaking, set against a stunning backdrop.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Everyone else was washed out by a solid but not remarkable Bucs offensive line.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Of course, this isn’t entirely true across the (cheese) board — cheese comes in a remarkable range of colors, from pale white to deep yellow-orange.
    Vox Staff, Vox, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The other, Laetitia Lopez, came out of Paris' renowned fashion houses with a talent for designing purses, luggage, jewelry and furniture.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Detroit Free Press, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Three hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, Fresno is more reminiscent of Middle America than the globally renowned big cities that anchor the country's most populous state.
    Terry Collins, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near prominent

Cite this Entry

“Prominent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prominent. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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