PROMINENT Synonyms: 144 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

prominent

adjective

ˈprä-mə-nənt

Definition of prominent next

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention an attorney who occupies a prominent position in the town's social hierarchy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in famous

widely known prominent figures in the history of sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Padres, with their most prominent player back at 100 percent, can at least look forward to starting over. —

Dennis Lin, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025 Usually, this is the most prominent triangular star pattern of the winter sky. —

Joe Rao, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025 Visitors will also get to learn about the prominent figures who called this place home, including world-renowned artist George Rodrigue, best known for his iconic Blue Dog paintings. —

Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025 The steam shovel, which has occupied a prominent position for two years or more opposite the Chellin garage, was shipped out of town last week to do service elsewhere. —

Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prominent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prominent

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